Electrochemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sigma Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory

The successful candidate will join a team developing methods for electrode position involving novel electrochemical waveforms, electrolyte development, analytical characterization of resultant films, and industrial electrochemical processes such as separations, machining, and electroforming.

Specific research will focus on electrochemical processing of critical materials, in‑situ characterization, electrochemical analysis of metal ions in solution, and may extend to electropolishing, corrosion, electrochemical machining, and surface engineering. Projects will also involve process monitoring, rapid experimentation, and AI/ML‑guided experimentation.

The postdoctoral researcher will help guide the overall technical direction of their projects, conduct independent research, work in small teams, and communicate findings to enable future applications.

• Extensive experimental experience in electrochemistry, preferably electroplating or electropolishing techniques and processes.
• Background in electrochemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting electroplating equipment, plating baths, power supplies, or analytical instruments.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated by presentations at technical conferences and peer‑reviewed publication.

Education/

Experience:

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed.

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).
• Experience with in‑situ electrochemical characterization.
• Experience with ex‑situ characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, XPS, and electrochemical testing.
• Experience with AI/ML for experimental materials development or discovery.
• Experience with water‑sensitive chemistry.

The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

• PPO or high deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• 401(k) with 6% matching plus 3.5% annual contribution
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Relocation package for locations outside a 50‑mile radius

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, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is committed to making its workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.