Advanced Characterization Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation and deformation twinning in structural materials. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, expertise in experimental plasticity, and strong scientific writing skills. This onsite position in Los Alamos, NM, emphasizes collaboration with computational teams and dissemination of findings in reputable journals. A strong publication record is preferred.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation and deformation twinning in structural materials.
• Lead in situ and ex situ experimental campaigns.
• Disseminate results in leading journals in materials science and mechanics.
• Collaborate closely with computational researchers developing modeling frameworks.

Skills

Experimental plasticity of metals

Deformation twinning mechanisms

EBSD analysis

In-situ SEM mechanical testing

Microstructure-property relationships

Publication in journals

Education

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

Tools

Digital image correlation

3D microstructure characterization

Job description

Overview

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

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.

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.