Experimental Quantum Materials Scientist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) with 6% matching

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a highly motivated experimental quantum materials scientist to join the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team. The role focuses on conducting experiments in quantum materials and collaborating on scientific projects. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and have experience with experimental measurement techniques and working independently as well as in teams. This position offers numerous benefits and the opportunity for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of technical excellence in studies of quantum materials.
• Proficiency with experimental measurement techniques.
• Ability to develop and lead high-impact scientific projects.
• Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experiments in the laboratory or at user facilities.
• Contribute to ongoing technical work and develop proposals.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Technical excellence in quantum materials

Experimental measurement techniques

Scientific creativity

Technical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field

Post-doctoral research experience

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has immediate openings for one or more scientifically outstanding and highly motivated experimental quantum materials scientists. The position is in the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team (SCES Team), part of the Materials Physics and Applications Division’s Quantum Group (MPA‑Q). MPA‑Q focuses on the discovery, understanding, and exploitation of quantum phenomena in materials science, and the new scientist will be expected to carry out experiments in the laboratory or at user facilities, contribute to ongoing technical work, and develop and prepare proposals for new research initiatives. The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team that performs sample growth, transport and thermodynamic measurements, NMR, and measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure, high magnetic fields, low temperature) to explore new physics in correlated‑electron systems.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated record of technical excellence and achievement in studies of quantum materials, correlated‑electron materials, or a related field.
• Proficiency with experimental measurement techniques and understanding of state‑of‑the‑art experimental methods.
• Familiarity with relevant physical theory and data analysis.
• Ability to develop and lead high‑impact scientific projects from conception to publication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including scientific creativity and technical problem solving.
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission science programs as needs evolve.

Education and/or Experience

Positions require a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and four years of related experience, typically with post‑doctoral research at a university or national lab or equivalent experience. An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) related to MPA‑Q research is preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions (low temperature, high magnetic field, high pressure).
• Scientific understanding of or experience with f‑electron materials.
• Collaborative research experience within academia, industry, or government agencies.
• Postdoctoral research or similar experience.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Location

The position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Working in the lab and in close proximity to other experimental researchers and labs, with flexibility for offsite work up to 20%.

Benefits

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with extensive nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contributions.
• 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 and Background Screening

No security clearance is required. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for those who request them.