Postdoctoral Research Associate for Polymer Chemistry and Characterization

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); Sur place; USD 65 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Résumé du poste

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to advance research in polymer chemistry, polymer composites, and materials characterization. The role emphasizes synthesis, formulation, and thorough characterization of polymer-based materials, with focus on aging, degradation, and structure–property relationships.

Applicants will design and synthesize polymers or develop formulations, characterize chemical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and surface properties, and communicate

Qualifications

• Strong publication record in their area of expertise.
• Ability to develop original research ideas and independently design, conduct, and interpret experiments.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills in English.

Responsabilités

• Design and conduct experiments to develop and evaluate polymer-based materials.
• Interpret experimental data and communicate findings via technical reports and publications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while conducting independent research.
• Contribute to advancing understanding of structure–property relationships in polymers and composites.

Connaissances

Polymer synthesis

Polymer characterization

Materials science

Formation

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Description du poste

What You Will Do

We seek a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in polymer chemistry, polymer composites, and materials characterization, with complementary strengths in polymer synthesis and polymer characterization. Research will emphasize developing and evaluating polymer-based materials, understanding polymer aging and degradation, and establishing structure-property relationships.

Depending on their expertise, successful candidates will design and synthesize polymers, develop polymer and composite formulations, and/or characterize their chemical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and surface properties. Responsibilities include developing research ideas, designing and conducting experiments, interpreting experimental data, and communicating findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations. The Postdoctoral Associates will conduct independent research while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in at least one of the following areas:

• Polymer synthesis: Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry and hands‑on experience in polymer design, synthesis, and chemical characterization.
• Polymer characterization: Broad knowledge of and strong hands‑on experience with analytical techniques for characterizing the chemical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and/or surface properties of polymers and polymer‑based composites.

All candidates must also demonstrate:

• A strong publication record relevant to their area of expertise.
• The ability to develop original research ideas and independently design, conduct, and interpret experiments.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage research activities to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners across research institutions and industry.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas.
• Organic and polymer synthesis, including controlled polymerization methods, such as anionic polymerization, and/or organic synthesis relevant to functional monomers and polymers.
• Air- and moisture-sensitive synthesis using Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques.
• Isolation, purification, and chemical or structural characterization of monomers, intermediates, and polymers using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and SEC/GPC.
• Characterization of polymer thermal and thermomechanical properties using techniques such as TGA, DSC, DMA, and TMA.
• Mechanical testing and rheological characterization of polymers and polymer‑based composites.
• Characterization of polymer structure, morphology, and surface properties using techniques such as solid‑state NMR, AFM, XPS, XRD, SEM, and TEM.
• Formulation and processing of polymers and polymer‑based composites, with an emphasis on understanding and optimizing relationships among composition, processing, structure, and properties.
• Experimental investigation of polymer aging and degradation and their effects on material properties and performance.

Education:

Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D. Candidates may also have previous experience including postdoctoral experience.

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.

Note to Applicants:

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

For general information go to Postdoc Program.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China‑including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau‑as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices group (MPA-11), conducts basic and applied research in areas related to applied energy programs and a variety of problems relevant to the weapons program. Our goal is to provide innovative and creative solutions needed to solve technical problems across the Laboratory's missions, including energy security, stockpile stewardship, and global threat reduction.

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.

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.