What You Will Do

The Materials Science in Radiation & Dynamics Extremes (MST-8) together with Nuclear Materials Science (MST- 16) group is searching for a postdoctoral candidate with a strong background in spectroscopic techniques to investigate the fundamental structure of novel nuclear fuels, corrosion mechanisms and nuclear forensics signatures of actinide materials. The position will involve selecting, preparing and spectroscopically characterizing actinide materials at both on-site and off-site facilities, overseeing the shipment of the materials for off-site analysis, and collecting and analyzing data (i.e., diffraction, spectroscopic, imaging). The position will primarily be located at LANL but will require frequent travel to SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The position will require the candidate to successfully interact on a multi-disciplinary team with personnel from both within and outside of LANL. The successful candidate has a proven track record of successful collaborations, scientific achievement, and have displayed exceptional talent in their field.

The selected candidate will perform research activities and responsibilities to include the following:

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a large, multi-disciplinary team.
• Very good written and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have a track record of publications and experience presenting at conferences.
• Possess or ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires US citizenship.
• Experience with X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), X-ray Diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger spectroscopy, absorption/fluorescence, or similar spectroscopic techniques.
• Experience in data analysis.

Education/Experience:

A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Nuclear Engineering, or related engineering discipline completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with glovebox work and radioactive, toxic, or air-sensitive materials.
• Experience with X-ray or electron-based techniques (XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, etc.)
• Experience with Total Electron Yield X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy.
• Experience with responses of materials in extreme environments, which can include irradiation, pressure, corrosion, or non-ambient temperature environments.
• Experience with X-ray beamline techniques (EXAFS, XANES, HERFD, XRD, etc.)

For technical questions related to this position contact: Dr. Arjen van Veelen, arjen.vanveelen@lanl.gov

Besides the traditional postdoctoral research associate position, opportunities also exist for positions as Director’s funded, Agnew National Security, and Nicholas C. Metropolis postdoctoral fellows. Distinguished postdoctoral appointments are available for those who qualify based on extraordinary abilities in scientific research, leadership, and innovation in establishing new capabilities. Qualifying candidates may be considered the prestigious Darleane ChristianHoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. Details can be found on the LANL external webpage:  http://www.lanl.gov/

Where You Will Work

Q Clearance:   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.