Postdoctoral Position Involving Electrochemical Processes of Lanthanides and Actinides in Inert Atmosphere - Military Veterans

What You Will Do
The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering (C-CDE) group in the Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for two postdoctoral positions involving transition metals and rare-earth elements to perform laboratory research including electroanalytical chemistry, redox chemistry, and electrochemical processes and characterization of metallic compounds in inert atmosphere. Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research and engaging in a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines. The research projects supporting this position are mostly related to electrochemistry, which also require design and development of chemical processes and characterization of both soft and metallic materials. The position will also comprise direct interface with colleagues, customers and sponsors, the preparation of publications, proposals and reports, as well as delivery of program/progress updates.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated record of technical proficiency as indicated by a PhD and/or postdoctoral appointment, and represented by external publications, patent disclosures, presentations, proposals, and reports.

• Expertise in Electrochemistry, Analytical Chemistry and/or Materials Science, which may involve experience with transition metals, and/or rare-earth elements.

• Willingness to work and develop processes that may involve actinides and transuranic materials in the future, which would require transitioning into a radiological facility.

• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems.

• Ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.

• Submit a cover letter addressing how the candidate meets all the required skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: Educational background with degree dates, GPA with scale, and Name of advisor(s); Work experience; Competitive honors; Relevant extracurricular activities; Invited presentations; Grants; Patents; Peer-reviewed publications; Non-peer-reviewed publications; Talks and poster presentations; references.

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D. Candidates may also have previous experience including postdoctoral experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the use of electrochemical techniques in redox processes and metallic compounds is preferred, while a background in processes involving transition metals, and rare-earth elements will be an important additional asset.

• Analytical experience using characterization techniques such as electroanalytical chemistry, UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

• Experience working in a glovebox or open front hood within a radiological and/or nuclear facility, and willingness and ability to perform hands-on operations with radioactive and nuclear materials.

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship.

Work Environment:

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and a comprehensive cover letter that addresses all of the minimum job requirements of the position along with a statement of scientific research interests and professional goals. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. For additional technical inquiries, please contact Dr. Josemari Sansiñena (josemari@lanl.gov)
Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

§ 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. 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.

Clearance: Q(Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.

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 or preference, 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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.
Employment StatusFull Time