Postdoctoral Research Associate for Advance Materials Development

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on data analysis within the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group. The role emphasizes developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for advanced materials, working with a multidisciplinary team on materials design and fabrication methods for engineering applications.

The position requires a PhD in a related field within five years and expertise in modeling, data analysis,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in material science, material physics, chemical engineering or a related field soon to be completed or completed within the last five years.
• Strong background in modeling solid-state materials using classical MD to model and predict material behavior and failure.
• Strong background in Density Functional Theory (DFT) to model and predict properties of solid-state materials.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced data analysis techniques to real-world materials science and manufacturing challenges.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and develop materials and their fabrication methods for engineering applications.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Python

Mathematical modeling

Education

PhD in material science or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

VASP

DFT

MD

CrystalMaker

Job description

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group (C-CDE) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with an emphasis in data analysis to support studies focused on developing, optimizing, and controlling manufacturing processes related to advanced materials. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to design and develop materials-and their associated fabrication methods-for use in the engineering design and/or application of structures, systems, and subsystems.

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering group (C-CDE) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate with an emphasis in data analysis to support studies focused on developing, optimizing, and controlling manufacturing processes related to advanced materials. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to design and develop materials-and their associated fabrication methods-for use in the engineering design and/or application of structures, systems, and subsystems. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to apply advanced data analysis techniques to real-world materials science and manufacturing challenges, while contributing to cutting‑edge research with impact across multiple engineering domains.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements: Education/Experience: Ph.D. in material science, material physics, chemical engineering or a related field soon to be completed or completed within the last five years.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background in modeling solid‑state materials like metals using classical MD to model and predict material behavior and failure.
• Strong background in Density Functional Theory (DFT) to model and predict the structural, electronic, and energetic properties of solid‑state materials.
• Strong background in data analysis, statistical modeling, and/or machine learning techniques.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a self‑motivated approach to research.
• Experience with materials characterization (SEM, TEM, AFM, RBS) and related methods
• Experience with manufacturing processes, or process control is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in programming/data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, VASP, DFT, MD, and CrystalMaker.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
• Eligible to apply for a DOE Q clearance.

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

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)

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.

Clearance: Q

(Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.