Quantum Matter Synthesis Postdoc: Strongly Correlated Electron Team

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Life and disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Relocation packages

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, invites applications for postdoctoral positions focused on synthesis and characterization of quantum materials. The team works with extreme conditions to explore topological matter, heavy fermion physics, and unconventional superconductivity.

Requirements include a Ph.D. in Physics within the last five years, strong experimental background, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Strong background in experimental condensed matter physics.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct synthesis and characterization of quantum materials.
• Grow crystals and polycrystalline samples using multiple methods.
• Perform measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure, high fields, low temperature).
• Collaborate with NHMFL, CINT, and theory groups; publish results.

Skills

Experimental condensed matter physics

Scientific communication

Collaborative teamwork

Peer-reviewed publications

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

LabVIEW programming

Crystal growth techniques

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, 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.

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.

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.