What You Will Do

The Bio & Advanced Materials Synthesis team in the Engineered Materials group (MST-7) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in support of aerogel materials research, development, and production. A strong background in chemistry and materials science is required, as demonstrated by a recent record of authorship of technical reports and peer-reviewed publications in these fields. Expertise in the preparation and characterization of porous and nanostructured materials via sol-gel methods is desirable. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas: chemical synthesis, nanomaterials preparation and characterization, and/or polymer science. Candidates are expected to publish the results of their research in the literature and to present at conferences and technical meetings.

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
• Solid background in one or more of the following: chemical synthesis, nanomaterials preparation and characterization, and/or polymer science.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by writing and/or editing technical journals, papers or proposals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated by experience with public speaking, experience presenting technical information and data to a broad audience, and experience working with interdisciplinary teams having diverse technical backgrounds.
• Ability to work productively on multiple projects as demonstrated by meeting deadlines, goals and requirements.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with sol-gel chemistry synthesis.
• Experience with aerogel synthesis or other high surface area materials synthesis (e.g., microporous/mesoporous/microporous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)).Experience with high surface materials characterization techniques, such as BET/gas physisorption methods, electron microscopy, and/or electrochemical characterization methods.
• Expertise in supercritical fluid processing.
• The successful candidate should have a record of technical excellence and innovative thinking as evidenced by publications, presentations, and letters of reference. Proven ability to work effectively both in a team environment as well as independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals are viewed favorably.

Salary:  Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded.   Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500.  For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Interested candidates can contact Nikolaus Cordes (ncordes@lanl.gov) with questions.

Please submit a CV, cover letter including a brief statement of research interests, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 3-4 potential references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Postdoctoral positions are two-year appointments, with a possibility for a third year. Candidates may be considered for a Director's or other named Fellowships and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

For general information on the LANL Postdoc Program go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

The Engineered Materials group at LANL engages in fundamental and applied science and R&D, supporting a broad program base. This includes inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high energy density physics, nuclear stockpile stewardship, global security, defense programs, nuclear nonproliferation, and industrial collaborations.

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.