Synthetic Organic Chemistry Postdoc

What You Will Do

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated organic chemist to synthesize novel N-containing aliphatic and aromatic heterocycles for applications in energetic materials, including explosives and propellants. This will involve separation, purification, and isolation of target compounds and characterization using a variety of physical and analytical techniques. This work will require the selected applicant to work independently to design, execute, document, and analyze organic chemical reactions and isolate compounds of interest. The postdoctoral term is two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension and a start date between August 2026 and January 2027.

The selected applicant should be experienced with performing and interpreting infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies. HPLC and mass spectrometry experience may also be beneficial. Additionally, the selected applicant will be expected to work effectively in a team environment, as collaboration with other experimental and computational scientists is expected. This work may lead to the potential for both publications in chemical journals as well as applications in projects with national security missions. Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes:

1. Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed below (maximum 2 pages)
2. Current CV including publications
3. Optional: Summary of your relevant research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Applicants should clearly address each of the following requirements in their cover letter:

• Q clearance: The selected applicant will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, which requires U.S. citizenship
• Experience in organic chemical synthesis
• Experience in a variety of separation, purification, and isolation techniques
• Experience in characterizing organic compounds by various techniques including infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies
• A willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of energetic materials in a rigorous safety environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Education/Experience: Applicant must have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field. The selected applicant must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications:

Applicants should clearly address each of the following qualifications in their cover letter:

• Experience in novel organic synthesis
• Experience in developing new synthetic pathways
• Experience with the safe handling of reactive materials

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.

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes:

1. Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed above (maximum 2 pages)
2. Current CV including publications
3. Optional: Summary of your relevant research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.

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.

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.