Post-Master's Student in Materials Science

What You Will Do

The Dynamic and Quasi-Static Loading Experimental Team of the Materials Physics and Applications (MPA) Division specializes in deformation and damage quantification across a wide range of strain rates and temperatures, with emphasis on linking processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties.

As a Post-Master's Student
, you will be an integral member of this team, tackling experimental challenges in materials science. Working with a mentor, you will:

• Conduct hands-on experiments with materials processing, mechanical testing, and microstructural characterization.
• Prepare and characterize metallographic samples using optical and electron microscopy (SEM/EBSD).
• Troubleshoot and solve experimental problems with creativity and persistence.
• Collaborate with other researchers on targeted experiments and contribute to data analysis.
• Document results in reports and presentations.

This position offers the opportunity to apply your technical skills in a collaborative, mission-driven research environment while expanding your expertise in materials science.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Hands-on laboratory experience in materials processing, mechanical testing, or metallography.
• Strong knowledge of structure-property relationships in materials.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Education/

Experience:

• A master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field awarded within the last three years.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Candidates must not currently be enrolled in another master's or PhD program.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience with optical or electron microscopy (SEM, EBSD).
• Familiarity with programming (Python, Matlab) for data analysis.
• Drafting or engineering drawing skills.
• Prior experience with experimental problem-solving and laboratory automation.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Duration
:
Post-Master's interns may remain in this category for up to two years. To remain in the GRA program after that, interns must be accepted and enrolled in another graduate program (master's or PhD).

Application Materials: Please submit:

• A cover letter describing your skills, research interests, and interest in LANL.
• A CV or résumé with education (including GPA), work experience, and technical skills.
• A list of at least three references.

Pre-employment Requirement
:
The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and background checks.

• 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.

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)

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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure…