Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI-Accelerated Molecular and Materials Modeling

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Computer Skills, Computer Systems, Cross-Functional, DFT (Design for Test), Data Science, Data Sets, Dental Insurance, Fellowship, IR (Infrared), Insurance, Laboratory, Machine Learning, Material Science, Model Validation, Model Verification, Multitasking, Neural Networks, Operations Security (OPSEC), Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Physics, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radiography, Research Skills, Simulation, Spectroscopy, Staff Training, T-1 / DS1, Tuition Fees, UV/VIS (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy), United States Department of Energy (DOE), Vision Plan, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Los Alamos, NM

POSTED

15 days ago

What You Will Do
The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop and apply advanced electronic structure, atomistic simulation, and AI/ML methodologies for understanding and controlling rare-earth element (REE) chemistry. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of quantum chemistry, machine learning, and reactive molecular simulations to investigate REE coordination, separation, and interfacial processes, while developing predictive computational tools that bridge atomistic mechanisms and experimentally observable properties. This position offers exceptional opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years.

Experience with first-principles electronic structure methods, including DFT and/or TD-DFT.
Experience performing atomistic simulations of molecular and/or condensed-phase systems.
Experience with machine learning, data science, uncertainty quantification, or surrogate modeling for chemical systems.
Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent communication and writing skills, as evidenced by publications, cover letter and interview.

Desired Qualifications:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:

Experience in separations science, coordination chemistry, and materials discovery.
Familiarity with molecular dynamics simulations, reactive chemistry, and automated reaction discovery.
Experience with advanced electronic structure methods such as CASSCF, GW/BSE, relativistic methods, or spin-orbit coupling treatments.
Knowledge of spectroscopy simulations, including X-ray, UV-Vis, Raman, or IR spectroscopy.
Experience developing or applying machine-learning interatomic potentials, reactive neural network potentials, or active-learning workflows.
Experience using high-performance computing platforms and large-scale scientific modeling.
Experience with model verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification, integration of simulation and experimental observations, and management of scientific datasets.
Experience in computer programming using modern computing languages. Programming skills in Python and/or scientific computing environments.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
Willingness to work productively on multiple projects.

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.

Note to Applicants:

The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.
Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
For more information about the Postdoc Program, go to https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Contact:

Dr. Sergei Tretiak (serg@lanl.gov)
Dr. Arjen van Veelen (arjen.vanveelen@lanl.gov)

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. Where You Will Work

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. 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.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

426.2A: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2A, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.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.

About the Company

Los Alamos National Laboratory

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