Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Actinide Chemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group in Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in synthetic actinide chemistry to perform novel, cutting edge research involving the synthesis and study of thorium and uranium compounds and materials. Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research and engaging in a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines to address broader aspects of the laboratory's mission, including nonproliferation science. In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to attend seminars of interest, utilize networking opportunities within the laboratory, and foster new collaborations. They will be expected to communicate their results through peer-reviewed publications and to present their work at conferences and to sponsors.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Excellent experimental background in synthetic organometallic or inorganic synthesis
Expertise in handling air-sensitive compounds in rigorous air- and water-free atmospheres via inert atmosphere gloveboxes and Schlenk line techniques
Willingness to work with low-level radioactive natural thorium and depleted uranium materials
Strong communication skills, written and verbal, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and the required cover letter
Ability to participate collaboratively with team members and subject matter experts coupled with self-motivation to work independently and become a technical leader
Proficiency in analytical techniques (i.e. NMR, FTIR, UV-vis-NIR, XRD, pXRD, SEM/EDS)
Willingness and desire to learn new skills and willingness to work on emerging projects
Education/Experience :
A Ph.D. in chemistry. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working with low-level radiological materials
Additional experience in materials chemistry and/or electrochemistry
Ability to obtain a Q-clearance, which normally requires US Citizenship
Ability to create and handle export-controlled information
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
Note to Applicants:
A C.V. with the minimum following information is required: Educational background, degree dates, GPA, name of advisor(s), Work experience, Competitive honors, Presentations, Peer-Reviewed Publications. When applying for the position, please include a cover letter addressing how you meet all of the required skills described above. The cover letter should also address the candidate's interest in a post-doctoral tenure at a national laboratory.
Where You Will Work
The postdoc will be part of a vibrant research team from the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE). This team endeavors to resolve national security-related issues in stockpile manufacturing and support, surveillance, applied and basic energy sciences, threat reduction, the environment, and nonproliferation-as such, the postdoc will be exposed to a broad range of applications and mission work conducted at national laboratories. The research team participates collaboratively throughout the Chemistry Division and the Laboratory to utilize scientific expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Process Development and/or Chemical Engineering. The highly interdisciplinary nature of these activities requires scientists and engineers who can readily operate within, and transition between, the traditional academic disciplines.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.