Advanced Characterization Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher located in Los Alamos, NM. The successful candidate will conduct experimental investigations into plastic deformation and deformation twinning of structural materials. This role requires expertise in experimental plasticity, deformation mechanisms, and collaboration with computational teams. A PhD in a relevant field completed within the last 5 years is required. Benefits include health insurance and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental plasticity of metals.
• Strong knowledge of deformation twinning mechanisms.
• Expertise in EBSD analysis, including twin identification.
• Experience with in‑situ SEM mechanical testing.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications in relevant journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation.
• Lead experimental campaigns to uncover strain localization.
• Collaborate with computational researchers for validation.

Skills

Experimental plasticity of metals

Deformation twinning mechanisms

EBSD analysis

In-situ SEM mechanical testing

Microstructure-property relationships

Publication record

Education

PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or related

Tools

Digital image correlation

3D microstructure characterization

Job description

What You Will Do

MST-8 is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation and deformation twinning in structural materials, with emphasis on quantifying and analyzing microstructural and twin networks. The successful candidate will lead in situ and ex situ experimental campaigns to uncover how grain connectivity, twin nucleation, and evolving twin networks govern strain localization, hardening, and damage initiation.

The project will focus on high-resolution microstructural characterization and mesoscale mechanical testing to explicitly map grains, grain boundaries, twins, and twin boundary networks during deformation. The goal is to establish quantitative, network‑based descriptions of microstructure and twin connectivity and directly link these to measured local plastic response.

The candidate is expected to disseminate results in leading journals in materials science and mechanics. Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to clearly articulate mechanistic insight is essential.

The candidate will collaborate closely with computational researchers developing crystal plasticity and network-based modeling frameworks, providing high-quality experimental datasets for validation and mechanistic interpretation.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental plasticity of metals.
• Strong knowledge of deformation twinning mechanisms and twin boundary physics.
• Expertise in EBSD analysis, including twin identification and grain boundary characterization.
• Experience with in‑situ SEM mechanical testing and microstructural evolution studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of metals deformation behavior and microstructure‑property relationships.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications in relevant journals.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing slip‑twin interactions and twin network evolution.
• Experience with high‑resolution strain mapping techniques (e.g., digital image correlation).
• Experience with 3D microstructure characterization or serial sectioning methods.
• Experience preparing metallographic samples for EBSD and in situ testing.
• A strong publication record demonstrating the ability to independently drive projects to high‑impact outcomes.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary experimental‑computational research teams.

Education

A PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

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.

Benefits

• 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).

Clearance

Q clearance required. 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 U.S. Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent on 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.

Additional Requirements

New‑Employment Drug Test required as part of the hiring process. Successful applicants must complete the drug test.

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.