Postdoctoral Appointee - Chemical Dynamics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to study chemical dynamics of reactivity in the gas phase and on photoreactive surfaces, using state-of-the-art instruments and collaborative opportunities within the Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department.

The successful candidate will conduct velocity mapped imaging experiments, analyze vibrational energy transfer in molecular beams, and present results at national and international conferences and in

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics or closely related field.
• Experience with laser diagnostics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Study quantum-state selected and detected vibrational energy transfer from ultra-low collision energies in a molecular beam setup.
• On surfaces, study photolytic water cracking and ammonia formation using a newly built apparatus with micron resolution.
• Present results at national and international conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Skills

Laser diagnostics

Written and verbal communication

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in chemistry/physics or closely related field

Tools

Laser spectroscopy

Molecular beams

Velocity mapped imaging

Computer programming

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee - Chemical Dynamics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

*These benefits vary by job classification.

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work with Dr. David Chandler at Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore California for studying chemical dynamics of reactivity both in the gas phase and on photo-catalytic surfaces.

You will:

Study quantum-state selected and detected vibrational energy transfer from ultra-low collision energies occurring in a single molecular beam to crossed molecular beam studies. On surfaces, the reaction of photolytic water cracking and ammonia formation on photoreactive surfaces will be studied with a newly built apparatus that measures the position and velocity of molecules coming from a reactive surface with micron resolution. Both of these studies utilize state‑of the art velocity and spatial mapping of reactant products.

The postdoc will be expected to present results at national and international conferences and to publish in high‑profile peer-reviewed journals.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require:

• PhD in chemistry, physics or closely related field
• Experience with laser diagnostics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences

Qualifications We Desire:

• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively within a research team
• Experience with laser spectroscopy, molecular beams, velocity mapped imaging, and computer programming.
• Ability to address complex problems creatively, and to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers.

About Our Team:

The Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department is part of Sandia’s Combustion Research Facility (CRF) in Livermore, California, where over 100 scientists, engineers, and technologists conduct basic and applied research to improve our nation’s ability to use and control chemical processes efficiently and cleanly. Under the principal sponsorship of the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department conducts fundamental experimental, theoretical, and modeling research to develop a foundational understanding of the key chemical processes that underlie the complex mechanisms of chemical transformations. Research areas include chemical dynamics, ultrafast chemical physics, theoretical and experimental chemical kinetics, and gas‑phase and particulate diagnostics development and deployment.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance