Postdoctoral Research Associate in in-situ/operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and apply advanced in situ and operando X-ray spectroscopy to understand the chemistry and local structure of critical materials during chemical separation and electrochemical processes.

The successful candidate will use synchrotron-based XAS (HERFD XANES/EXAFS) with complementary techniques to study coordination chemistry, speciation, and reaction mechanisms under processing conditions, including rare-earth

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related field completed within the last five years.
• Strong background in X-ray spectroscopy (XAS, XANES, EXAFS).
• Experience with operando/in situ spectroscopy for chemical/material processes.
• Background in electrochemistry and surface characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments at DOE synchrotron facilities.
• Develop in situ and operando sample environments for XAS measurements.
• Analyze and interpret spectroscopic datasets across interdisciplinary teams.
• Lead beamtime campaigns and contribute to high-impact publications.

Skills

X-ray spectroscopy

XAS

XANES

EXAFS

Operando / in situ spectroscopy

Electrochemistry

XYZR/Characterization integration

Python

MATLAB

Communication & writing

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

What You Will Do

The Materials Science and Technology Structure/Property Relations (MST-8) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and apply advanced in situ and operando X-ray spectroscopy techniques to understand the chemistry and local structure of critical materials during chemical separation and electrochemical processes.

The successful candidate will use synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), including (HERFD) XANES and EXAFS, together with complementary characterization techniques to investigate coordination chemistry, chemical speciation, and reaction mechanisms under relevant processing conditions. Research opportunities include rare-earth and other critical-material systems, with an emphasis on understanding how local chemical environments and interfacial processes influence separation and electrochemical behavior.

The postdoctoral researcher will design and conduct experiments at DOE Office of Science synchrotron user facilities, develop in situ and operando sample environments, analyze and interpret spectroscopic datasets, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams at Los Alamos National Laboratory and partner institutions. This position offers opportunities to lead beamtime campaigns, publish high-impact research, and contribute to the development of next-generation characterization capabilities for critical-materials research.

What You Need

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years.

• Strong background in synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy, particularly X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), including XANES and/or EXAFS.
• Hands-on research experience with operando and/or in situ spectroscopy for studying chemical or materials processes.
• Demonstrated background in fundamental and/or applied electrochemistry.
• Hands on physical research experience, especially in the areas of electrochemistry, corrosion science, and surface characterization techniques.
• Experience with complementary characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, as evidenced by publications, cover letter and interview.

Desired Qualifications

• In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:
• Experience developing in situ or operando sample environments, including electrochemical cells for synchrotron measurements
• Experience with electrochemistry, electrodeposition, or electrochemical interfaces, particularly in non-aqueous or concentrated electrolyte systems.
• Experience with rare-earth, actinide, or other f-element chemistry, including coordination chemistry and chemical speciation.
• Experience with advanced X-ray spectroscopy techniques, such as X-ray emission spectroscopy, HERFD-XANES, or related method
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing environments.
• Experience integrating spectroscopy with complementary characterization techniques, such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, or electron microscopy.
• Familiarity with computational spectroscopy or electronic-structure calculations used to support interpretation of experimental data
• Demonstrated ability to work productively across multiple collaborative research projects.

Essential Job Functions

(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

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.

Employment Status

Fulltime or part time options available

Appointment Type

Postdoc

Contact

Dr. Arjen van Veelen ([e-mail])

Dr. Alex Mirabal ([e-mail])

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 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

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.