Postdoctoral Research Associate at Physics and Chemistry of Materials (T-1) Group

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and AI/machine learning. Focus areas include materials for particle source generation, computational screening, and design of low-work-function cathode materials for negative ion sources and electron sources.

The successful candidate will join Gaoxue Wang, Enrique R.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Demonstrated research with peer‑reviewed publications and excellent written communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outstanding research at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and AI/machine learning.
• Study materials for particle source generation, including low-work-function cathode materials.
• Investigate actinide-containing materials' chemistry and catalytic behavior.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Writing skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD in physics/chemistry/materials science or related field

Tools

Programming

Machine learning

Job description

What You Will Do

We are looking for outstanding candidates interested in a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Gaoxue Wang, Enrique R. Batista and Ping Yang at the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct outstanding research at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and AI/machine learning. Research will primarily focus on materials for particle source generation (e.g., computational screening and design of low-work-function cathode materials for negative ion sources and electron sources); and chemistry and catalytic behavior of actinide-containing materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or relate fields, completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Education/Experience:

A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related fields completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications

• 1.) a strong theoretical background in condensed matter physics (Density functional theory, wave-function based methods, and molecular dynamics);
• 2.) experience with machine learning;
• 3.) computer programming skills to develop code, modify and edit existing codes and scripts.
• 4) Solid background and experience in electronic structure calculations at the molecular level and on periodic systems.

Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships. For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.

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.

Work Schedule

This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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)

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.