Postdoctoral Appointee - Nanoporous Materials, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to characterize and test nanoporous materials, with emphasis on MOFs and complex solvent systems for advanced separation technologies.

You will perform gas adsorption, materials characterization (XRD, SEM/TEM, XRF, IR, Raman, NMR), analyze data, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and publish in peer‑reviewed journals while presenting at conferences. Onsite work is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience characterizing and testing nanoporous materials (MOFs and related porous systems)
• Peer‑reviewed publications and/or conference presentations demonstrating research achievements

Responsibilities

• Perform gas adsorption and selectivity studies on MOFs, zeolites, and related porous materials.
• Characterize materials using techniques such as XRD, SEM/TEM, XRF, IR and Raman spectroscopy, UV‑vis and NMR to advance structure–property understanding.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and modelers to address complex problems.
• Prepare and publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at national conferences.

Skills

Research experience

Scientific publications

Communication skills

DOE security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

X-ray diffraction

SEM/TEM

XRF

IR spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy

BET porosity analysis

TGA/DSC

Job description

About Sandia

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*

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

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to characterize and test nanoporous materials, with an emphasis on metal‑organic frameworks (MOFs) and complex solvent systems such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for advanced separation technologies.

• Perform gas adsorption and selectivity of metal‑organic frameworks, zeolites, and other porous materials
• Perform materials characterization, including powder X‑ray diffraction, porosity measurements, thermal analyses (TGA/DSC), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X‑ray fluorescence, IR and Raman spectroscopy, UV‑vis, and NMR spectroscopy Analyze data to advance understanding of structure property relationships in liquid phase functional material systems under various testing conditions
• Work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with experts in a wide range of experimental techniques and materials modeling approaches
• Prepare and publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and present at national conferences

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. This position is located in Albuquerque, NM, and the annual salary for this position is $100,500.

Qualifications We Require

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or other relevant, related field
• Demonstrated research experience in characterization and testing of nanoporous materials (e.g., MOFs and related porous systems)
• Proven track record of scientific achievements, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publication(s) and/or presentation(s) at scientific conferences

Qualifications We Desire

• Proven ability to independently plan and execute experiments, lead small research projects or work packages, and deliver results with minimal supervision
• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, including computational and synthetic chemistry groups
• Familiarity with multiple concurrent research programs or cross‑project collaborations
• Advanced proficiency in materials characterization techniques including X‑ray diffraction (single crystal and powder), BET surface area and porosity analysis, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), XRF, IR and Raman spectroscopy, UV‑vis, and NMR spectroscopy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report preparation and presentation abilities
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance

About Our Team

Sandias Geomechanics and Geochemistry Department advances fundamental scientific understanding and develops innovative capabilities to address complex challenges in subsurface science, energy, national security, and environmental sustainability. The department integrates experimental investigations, advanced characterization, computational modeling, and engineering applications across multiple spatial and temporal scales.

Sandias geomechanics research addresses cross‑cutting challenges in rock mechanics, rock mass characterization, deformation and failure processes, numerical modeling and simulation, material model validation, and subsurface monitoring. Integrating laboratory experiments, field observations, and computational simulations, key research areas include characterization of natural fracture systems; investigation and modeling of rock deformation and failure mechanisms; determination of thermomechanical, hydrological, and transport properties of rocks and fractures, including coupled processes; scaling of laboratory measurements to field conditions; in situ stress measurements and evaluation of subsurface boundary conditions; and laboratory‑and field‑scale validation of predictive models. These capabilities support applications in subsurface energy systems, critical mineral recovery, nuclear waste isolation, and national security.

Sandias geochemistry research focuses on understanding molecular‑scale processes and chemical interactions at mineralfluid interfaces, including how chemical environments influence mineral reactivity, interfacial transport, and material behavior. Core capabilities span three complementary areas: (1) molecular‑scale modeling and simulation, (2) experimental geochemistry, and (3) applied environmental and chemical engineering. By integrating molecular‑level insights, laboratory experiments, and multiscale computational modeling, researchers develop and validate predictive models of complex geochemical processes. These capabilities support a broad range of applications, including critical mineral extraction and separation, subsurface energy resource recovery, nuclear waste management, environmental remediation, nuclear weapons applications, and contaminant detection and removal.

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.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre‑processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

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 of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF‑85 (Questionnaire for Non‑Sensitive Positions) and OF‑306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug‑releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on‑site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.