Solid State Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make your mark on the world! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) advances science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, empowering teams to tackle today’s toughest challenges.

About the role

We have an opening for a Solid State Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopist - Postdoctoral Researcher in the Material Characterization Group of the Materials Science Division. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team conducting and supporting research in f-element science and materials characterization via magnetic resonance.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct solid state and solution state magnetic resonance experiments including NMR, EPR, and MRI across a broad range of materials including rare earth elements and actinides.
• Perform double quantum NMR, EPR, and MRI measurements to elucidate internuclear and interelectron distances and develop structure-property relationships.
• Conduct advanced research in solid state diffusion and characterization of novel actinide complexes.
• Serve as the primary technical contact on integrating solid state imaging pulse sequences on polymers.
• Convey capabilities and new opportunities to stakeholders across the laboratory.
• Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in designing solid state magnetic resonance for elucidation of the structure and/or properties of complex materials, as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
• Experience with multidimensional magnetic resonance (2D, 3D, 4D) as demonstrated through publications, posters, and/or presentations.
• Advanced knowledge with Bruker NMR, MRI, and EPR instrumentation.
• Ability to independently and quickly develop new methods and procedures (e.g., pulse sequences and data processing workflows).
• Ability and willingness to work in a laboratory setting handling acutely toxic materials.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
• Proficient interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research environment.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge in diffusometry, coordination chemistry, and/or radiochemistry.
• Knowledge of other magnetic resonance techniques including solution state characterization and relaxometry.
• Experience with hyperpolarization techniques (OD NMR, NV NMR, parahydrogen, DNP, SEOP, etc).

Pay

$123,048 annually. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Schedule

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Benefits

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor.
• Flexible Benefits Package.
• 401(k).
• Relocation Assistance.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs).

Additional information about our values can be found at https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values.