Processing Science of Rare Earth Metals and Alloys - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to study high-temperature processing and reaction science of rare earth metals and alloys. You will design experiments, develop high-temperature equipment, and collaborate with computational modeling teams.

Responsibilities include characterizing phase formation, kinetics, and transport in metal-oxide systems; publishing findings and presenting at meetings; and upholding rigorous safety and documentation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related field.
• Experience designing and conducting high-temperature materials processing experiments.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, reaction kinetics, and mass transport.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on high-temperature processing of rare earth metals and alloys.
• Design, build, operate, and maintain controlled-atmosphere and high-temperature equipment.
• Characterize molten metal flow, wetting, and interactions with containment materials.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms, intermediate phases, and transport in metal-oxide systems.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

High-temperature processing

Molten metal flows

Materials characterization

X-ray diffraction

Interfacial phenomena

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Chemistry

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Scanning electron microscopy

Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Thermal analysis

Metallography

Job description

Processing Science of Rare Earth Metals and Alloys - Postdoctoral Researcher

Entry Level | Full-time
Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 10/06/2026
Reference #: REF8950T
Job Code: PDS.1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Position Type: Post Doctoral
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

The Materials Science Division (MSD) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate high-temperature processing and reaction science of rare earth (REE) metals and alloys. Properties of interest include molten metal flow, wetting, and interactions with ceramic or metallic containment, as well as metallothermic reaction pathways during alloying. Understanding reaction mechanisms, intermediate phases, kinetics, and transport phenomena in metal-oxide systems will be a key part of the role.

You will design and execute controlled-atmosphere experiments, develop specialized high-temperature equipment, and combine thermal analysis, diffraction, microscopy, and thermodynamic or kinetic interpretation to establish processing-structure-property relationships. The work includes collaborations involving computational fluid dynamics, CALPHAD modeling, and time-resolved synchrotron diffraction. The candidate will publish and present results to internal stakeholders, as well as to the wider scientific community. This position is based in the Advanced Materials Process Science Group within the Materials Science Division and will support LLNL programmatic, Laboratory Directed Research and Development, and externally funded materials research.

You will

• Conduct research in high-temperature processing of rare earth metals, with emphasis on containment compatibility and metallothermic reaction pathways.
• Design, build, operate, and maintain controlled-atmosphere and high-temperature experimental equipment.
• Investigate wetting and interface reactions between molten metals and ceramic or metallic containment materials and characterize molten metal flow and ejection dynamics.
• Determine reaction mechanisms, intermediate phase formation, kinetics, and transport behavior in metal-oxide and multiphase high-temperature systems.
• Prepare and characterize samples using relevant methods such as thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, metallography, and quantitative image analysis.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Maintain rigorous safety, documentation, and compliance standards in all laboratory activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments involving high-temperature materials processing, molten metals and molten metal flows, reactive materials, metal-oxide reactions, ceramics, or related systems.
• Knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, phase equilibria, reaction kinetics, mass transport, and/or interfacial phenomena in materials.
• Demonstrated track record with materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal analysis, surface/interface analysis, or metallography.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, as demonstrated by scientific presentations and a record of peer-reviewed publication.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills necessary to work independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: droplet science, including LMJ & droplet printing; metallothermic reduction; extractive metallurgy; pyrometallurgy; REE processing; reactive casting; high-temperature corrosion.
• Experience designing high-temperature equipment or experiments involving furnaces, induction heating, thermal analysis, vacuum systems, gloveboxes, or reactive-metal handling.
• Experience with liquid-metal wetting or contact-angle measurements, ceramic processing, protective coatings, or analysis of interfacial reaction layers.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic modeling, atomistic simulation methods, or reaction-kinetics analysis.
• Experience with modelling or theory of interfacial phenomena, particularly wetting interactions.

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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