Quantum Matter Synthesis Postdoc: Strongly Correlated Electron Team

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching contributions

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

A prestigious research facility is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a strong background in experimental condensed matter physics. Successful candidates will engage in the synthesis and characterization of quantum materials, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Physics completed within the last five years. The roles offer engagement in cutting-edge research areas and a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• Complete Ph.D. requirements by start date.
• Passion for physics and quantum materials.
• Experience with synthesis methods including flux growth and Czochralski growth.

Responsibilities

• Engage in synthesis and characterization of quantum materials.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Conduct research on topics including topological matter and unconventional superconductivity.

Skills

Strong background in experimental condensed matter physics

Ability to communicate effectively

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Demonstrated abilities in writing peer-reviewed publications

Synthesis of bulk polycrystalline materials

Basic characterization of materials

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

LabVIEW programming

Job description

What You Will Do

The Strongly Correlated Electron Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory has an immediate opening for up to three postdoctoral positions, with an emphasis on synthesis and characterization of quantum materials. Our multifaceted, highly collaborative team, which includes capabilities in sample growth, characterization, device fabrication, and measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure, high fields, and low temperature), explores new physics through new materials. Our interests for this postdoc position include (but are not limited to): topological matter, heavy‑fermion physics, low‑dimensional physics, unconventional superconductivity, quantum criticality, and new phases of quantum matter. The successful applicant will benefit not only from a highly interactive environment within our team but also from the close proximity of the NHMFL pulsed magnetic field facility, the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (MPA‑CINT), and the theoretical condensed matter group at Los Alamos. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about physics to develop and explore new ideas on quantum materials. Any inquiries about this specific opening and other opportunities within our group are welcome and should be sent to [e-mail].

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics
• The ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of peers and supervisors
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to work independently, creatively, and as part of a team
• Demonstrated abilities in writing peer‑reviewed publications
• Expertise in the following areas:

• Synthesis of bulk polycrystalline materials and single crystals by a variety of methods including flux growth, Bridgman growth, Czochralski growth, chemical vapor transport, and induction and arc‑melting techniques
• Basic characterization (e.g., electrical and thermal transport, magnetization, and specific heat) of poly‑ and single crystals

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics completed within the past five years or soon to be completed is required. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background in the physics of f‑electron materials
• Measurements at cryogenic temperatures
• LabVIEW programming

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

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. In addition to applying online, please submit a CV, publication list, a brief statement of research interests and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 4 potential references to Eric Bauer at [e-mail]. Please include a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current CV with the minimum following information/sections is also required: educational background, degree dates; work experience; competitive honors; relevant extracurricular activities; peer‑reviewed publications; non‑peer‑reviewed publications; references. Only complete applications with a cover letter and CV will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

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. This requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

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.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1‑505‑665‑4444 option 1.