Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Inorganic, Isotope and Actinide Chemistry (C‑IIAC) group is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral candidate to perform research in the area of fundamental bonding studies of the f‑elements. Inorganic, Isotope, and Actinide Chemistry performs research and addresses mission needs related to the nation’s nuclear energy, renewable energy and medical imaging arenas.

The successful candidate will focus on the syntheses of ligands and complexes with lanthanides and actinides in pursuit of furthering bonding and electronic structure comprehension. Substantial emphasis will be placed on the transuranium elements of neptunium and plutonium, with some scope for americium chemistry. The research approach requires extensive screening and synthetic protocol optimization, on small scales, with lanthanide and uranium surrogates before progressing to transuranium elements.

The position will entail efforts to scale‑down Ln/U chemistry before extending those experiments to Np, Pu and Am.

• Extensive experience and expertise in synthetic inorganic chemistry with a specific focus on air- and moisture-sensitive techniques (Schlenk, inert atmosphere glovebox usage and maintenance, rigorous solvent drying, ligand syntheses).
• Experience in preparation and characterization of metal complexes.
• Demonstrated communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter as well as independent problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment in shared laboratory space. This includes active interfacing with both experimental and computational colleagues (internal and external) to push forward results into publication format.
• Experience in acquiring SC‑XRD and crystal structure solution/data refinement.

Education/

Experience:

A PhD in Chemistry is required. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.

• Multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR/Raman spectroscopy, UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy, electrochemistry techniques, various chemical software proficiency.
• Willingness to handle radioactive materials, in a rigorous safety environment. Prior experience is beneficial but no previous radioactive material handling experience is required.
• Must be highly self‑motivated to drive forward the research independently with their own creative ideas, in addition to direction from the mentor’s research priorities.

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.

Interested applicants are required to apply online and upload a cover letter and a resume. The cover letter must address the candidate experience and how it applies to the opening. Informal inquiries for additional information regarding the position can be directed to Andrew Gaunt,  gaunt.

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.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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)

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, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local 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.