Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

The Postdoctoral (Postdoc) Program in Chemistry offers the opportunity for appointees to perform research in a scientifically rich research and development environment, present and publish research, and contribute to the research efforts at the Laboratory, the advancement of knowledge in the areas of basic and applied research, and the strengthening of our national scientific and technical capabilities.

The Chemistry (C) Division supports the Laboratory's mission with innovative chemical science and technology for energy research, threat identification and mitigation, weapons science, health, space, and more. Our capabilities are essential for emerging mission areas of energy security, civilian-sector R&D, and industrial partnering.

Our researchers support stockpile stewardship, detect chemical and biological threats, produce medical isotopes, and develop energy solutions.

Our research and development projects span several groups and divisions and involve partnerships with academic and industry partners. Our researchers have skills and expertise in cross-cutting capabilities:

• Radiochemistry and Nuclear Science
• Chemical Analysis and Certification
• Isotope Science and Production
• Synthetic and Mechanistic Chemistry
• Spectroscopy and Detection Science
• Chemistry of Materials
• Data Analysis & Modelling for Chemical Sciences

Learn more: https://www.lanl.gov/engage/organizations/cels/chemistry

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research, as evidenced by at least one first-author papers submitted to or published in peer-reviewed journals
• Strong technical and interpersonal communication and language skills, both orally and in writing
• Creative and proactive approach to scientific problem-solving
• Proven ability to meet research deliverables and deadlines
• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary research team
• Must submit cover letter as outlined on Notes to Applicant
• Individual must be able to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship (see DOE Order 472.2 for additional information).
• Expertise in optical system design and laser systems.
• Expertise in the physics of spectroscopy, spectroscopic techniques, and related equipment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more additional chemistry discipline(s): synthetic inorganic or organic chemistry, physical chemistry, spectrometry
• Proven contributions to successful research proposals
• Experience working in a controlled lab environment as well as field work (outdoor experiments and visitor to user facilities.)
• Experience with data analysis and computer programming languages (Python, MATLAB, C++, etc.)
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems or FPGAs.
• Experience with basic electronics.

Education:

PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering, or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed. Must be completed before hiring.

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:

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.
Please send a cover letter addressing (point-by-point) how you meet all of the minimum job requirements and possibly desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the following information/sections is also required: Educational background, degree dates, GPA with scale, name of advisor(s); Work experience; Completive honors; Relevant extracurricular activities; Invited presentations; Grants; Patents; Peer-Reviewed Publications; Non-peer-reviewed Publications; Talks and Poster Presentations; References. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant. In addition to applying online, interested candidates should send their inquiries, cover letter addressing specific qualifications with respect to the required and desired skills of this position.

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.

Clearance: Q(Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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.

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.