Ceramics Processing Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible work schedules

Onsite wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

A leading research institution in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a post-doctoral candidate in Ceramics Processing Science. The successful candidate will independently develop experimental plans and execute research in ceramic material processing. A Ph.D. in a related field is required, along with strong communication skills and the ability to manage time effectively. The position involves exposure to potential hazards, and candidates must meet eligibility for Q clearance. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including flexible scheduling and relocation packages.

Qualifications

• Completion of Ph.D. within five years.
• Hands-on experience with ceramic material processing.
• Proven ability to meet project goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental plans aligning with project needs.
• Document research results and maintain laboratory records.
• Assure compliance with safety and security protocols.

Skills

Time management

Chemical laboratory techniques

Communication skills

Research documentation

Safety compliance

Education

Ph.D. in Ceramics or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

What You Will Do

The Ceramics Processing Science Team within Sigma-1 is seeking a post‑doctoral candidate with experience in the processing and analysis of processing‑structure‑property relationships during processing of various ceramic materials such as oxides, nitrides, borides, or hydrides and composite materials. Our Team works in diverse areas including powder material analysis, synthesis, handling, and consolidation across a wide variety of materials. We support a wide variety of programs including Defense, Intelligence Agencies, and space programs along with other customers and University collaborations with an emphasis on identifying creative solutions to meet demanding requirements. We work in the Sigma Complex, a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to Los Alamos experimental programs.

The work will require application of common characterization techniques including rheology, diffraction, microscopy, and mechanical testing which should be paired with other analytical techniques.

Specific project goals will stem from the candidate's interests, mission needs within the team, and availability of funding. A successful candidate is expected to work independently, develop experimental plans which align with project needs, and communicate effectively. The candidate will be able to work independently, develop analytical methods, keep records in laboratory notebooks, communicate effectively, and assist in reviewing documents essential for the operation of the facility and generating technical reporting. The candidate will be assigned a mentor and portions of projects over which you will have responsibility. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation‑generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents and other hazardous materials.

What You Need

Education

This position requires a Ph.D. in Ceramics, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field. The candidate must be within five years of completion of the Ph.D. at the time of being proposed for review by the committee, or must have satisfied all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of the appointment.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Proven ability to meet tight schedules (time management), organize and prioritize tasks for effective accomplishment of project goals.
• Hands on experience with general chemical laboratory techniques and research and development of ceramic materials such as oxides, nitrides, borides, or hydrides.
• Experience with powder handling and processing including dispersant/binder formulation, spray drying, dry pressing, cold isostatic pressing, vacuum heat treatment, hydride reaction, chemical purification, hot pressing, and hot‑isostatic‑pressing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively with technical and operations personnel as a part of a team within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated academic publication record and an eagerness to document research results.
• Ability and willingness to follow safety and security procedures.
• Ability to obtain a Q‑clearance, which typically requires United States Citizenship.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize research projects to meet project schedules and deliverables.
• Proficiency in interfacing between experimental and engineering design and modeling efforts.
• An ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible enough to learn new areas of research as needed.
• Familiarity with other common powder fabrication methods is also desired, e.g. extrusion, gel casting, slip casting, compaction, milling and powder synthesis (sol gel, co‑precipitation, solid state, hydrothermal, etc.).
• Experience writing research proposals for experimental facilities or in response to project funding calls.
• Experience designing, installing, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Active Q‑clearance.

Essential Job Functions

Can perform with or without reasonable accommodation: Lifting 30+ pounds, standing, walking, Domestic/Foreign Travel.

Work Environment

Work near sources of ionizing radiation, work near machinery with moving parts, work in a potentially noisy environment.

Location

Physical location: Los Alamos, NM.

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.

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 on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. Obtaining such clearance requires U.S. 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.

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