Postdoctoral Research Associate/ Elastic Properties of Actinide Materials

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking researchers to study how composition, microstructure, synthesis, and processing affect the elastic properties of advanced materials, with a focus on actinide compounds grown in different ways.

The work centers on resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to extract symmetry-resolved information on defects and elastic moduli from polycrystalline samples, with collaborations across physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or Materials Science within 5 years of completion at review.
• Experience in experimental condensed matter or materials science.
• Background in elastic or mechanical properties.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent written and verbal English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on elastic properties of advanced materials using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy.
• Focus on actinide compounds grown by different methods (cast, wrought).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary group spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Skills

Experimental condensed matter

Materials science

Cryogenics

High temperatures

Elastic properties

Independent work

English communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Materials Science

Job description

What You Will Do

Work at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at LANL (MPA‑MAGLAB) to conduct research on the influence of composition, microstructure, synthesis, and processing on the elastic properties of advanced materials. An emphasis will be on actinide compounds grown in different ways (e.g., cast, wrought). The research will mostly use, and improve, state‑of‑the‑art resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to extract symmetry‑resolved information on point defects and single crystal elastic moduli from polycrystalline samples. These efforts will focus on understanding aging effects, temperature‑dependent properties (e.g., anharmonicity), and phase transitions and stability. Work will involve collaborations with an interdisciplinary group of experimentalists and theorists spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

What You Need

• Background in experimental condensed matter or material science with knowledge of either cryogenics or high temperatures (up to 1500 °C).
• Experience with elastic or mechanical properties is preferred.
• Experience with experimental research in condensed matter or material science.
• Ability to work independently, creatively, and in a team environment.
• Excellent written and communication skills in English.

Education

A Ph.D. in Physics or Material Science is required. The candidate must be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D. at the time of being proposed for review by the committee and will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Work Location

Onsite at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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. 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. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

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 applicable 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.