Microscopy Experimental Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking aPostdoctoral Research Associate to study materials under irradiation, focusing on data‑science methods to analyze large S/TEM datasets. The role examines local chemical, structural, phase, and electronic evolution in complex ceramics and develops novel analysis techniques to extract key insights.

The position offers hands-on experimental work, data analysis, documentation, and reporting within a multidisciplinary team spanning ion beam irradiation,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experimental experience with electron microscopy and data science approaches focused on analyzing advanced electron microscopy datasets.
• Demonstrated experience using electron microscopy to analyze local electronic structure and 4D-STEM to analyze spatial variations in structure and chemistry.
• Ability to design, execute, document, and analyze experimental efforts related to the study of materials under irradiation.
• Demonstrated ability to meet technical milestones, project deliverables, and sponsor expectations in a research or development environment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey research results via publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across irradiation, electrochemical analysis, synchrotron x-ray analysis, atomistic modeling, and advanced electron microscopy.
• Conduct hands-on experimental work, data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Develop novel data-analysis techniques to extract insights on local structure and properties from large TEM datasets.

Skills

Electron microscopy

Data science

4D-STEM

Irradiation materials

Publications & presentations

Education

Ph.D. in physics or materials science

Tools

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

MST-8 is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the study of materials under extreme conditions, particularly under irradiation. This position will focus on the implementation of data science methods to analyze the large and complex datasets generated using scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM). The successful candidate will examine the local chemical, structural, phase, and electronic structure evolution of complex ceramics under irradiation and develop novel data analysis techniques of these datasets to extract the important insights on the local structure and properties.

The postdoctoral researcher will work as part of a multidisciplinary team connecting ion beam irradiation, electrochemical analysis, synchrotron x-ray analysis, atomistic modeling, and advanced electron microscopy. The position will include hands‑on experimental work, data analysis, documentation, and reporting.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experimental experience with electron microscopy and data science approaches focused on analyzing advanced electron microscopy datasets.
• Demonstrated experience using electron microscopy to analyze local electronic structure in materials and 4D-STEM to analyze spatial variations in structure and chemistry of materials.
• Ability to design, execute, document, and analyze experimental efforts related to the study of materials under irradiation.
• Demonstrated ability to meet technical milestones, project deliverables, and sponsor expectations in a research or development environment.
• Demonstrated ability to convey research results via publications and presentations.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of radiation effects in oxides.
• Experience developing software for data analytics using Python or related tools.
• Exceptional communication skills of novel and advanced techniques to both highly-technical and broad audiences.
• Extensive experience in the operation of advanced S/TEM data collection modalities including tuning image- and probe-aberration correctors, monochromated STEM-EELS, 4D-STEM, and/or ptychography.
• A demonstrated grasp over complex electron/matter interactions as it relates to exploiting under‑utilized data contained in electron microscopy datasets.

Education

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field.

Work Environment

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.

Where You Will Work

LANL maintains world‑class science and engineering programs in support of national interests in energy, information, and national security. To create and foster innovations in science, technology, and engineering, the Lab employs the best and brightest people and provides the environment to deliver system solutions for our country’s needs, now and in the future. Los Alamos is situated in the foothills of the beautiful Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico and is a 30 minute drive away from Santa Fe.

Note to Applicants

Candidates may be considered for a Director’s Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

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

Eligibility Restrictions

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)

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.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

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.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.