Experimental Quantum Materials Scientist; Scientist

Overview

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has openings for experimental quantum materials scientists. This position is in the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team (SCES Team) within the Materials Physics and Applications Division's Quantum Group (MPA-Q). MPA-Q focuses on the discovery, understanding, and exploitation of quantum phenomena in materials science, measurement, computation, and secure communications. The team leads in strongly correlated electronic and topological materials, actinide and f-electron systems, atom trap-based quantum sensing, computing, and simulations, quantum communication and advanced networking for national and energy security, and ultrasensitive magnetic field measurement and magnetic resonance techniques.

New directions include artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and partnerships to strengthen the regional and national quantum ecosystem. Research sponsors include DOE, DOD, LDRD, and GS programs.

The fundamental purpose of MPA-Q is to be the experimental heart of quantum science and technology development at LANL, a scientific capability center for the Second Quantum Revolution. A key aspect is discovering, understanding, and controlling strong electronic correlations in quantum matter in actinide science.

The Quantum Materials Scientists will join a research team that focuses on discovering and understanding new phenomena in strongly correlated electron materials. Studies of magnetism, spin fluctuations, and electronic structure in correlated f-electron systems contribute to understanding quantum criticality, topological matter, quantum spin systems, heavy fermion physics, low dimensional physics, spin-orbit coupling, unconventional superconductivity, and other phases of matter at low temperatures.

The candidate will carry out experiments in the laboratory or at user facilities, contribute to ongoing technical work, and develop proposals for new research initiatives. The candidate should work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team including sample growth, transport and thermodynamic measurements, NMR, and measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure, high magnetic fields, and low temperature) to explore new physics.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated record of technical excellence and achievement in studies of quantum materials, correlated-electron materials, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency with experimental measurement techniques and understanding of state-of-the-art experimental methods.
• Demonstrated familiarity with relevant physical theory and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high-impact scientific projects from conception through publication.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including scientific creativity and technical problem solving.
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission science programs as needs and opportunities evolve over time.

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university with 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent. An advanced degree (e.g., M.S. or Ph.D.) related to MPA-Q research is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions (e.g., low temperature, high magnetic field, high pressure).
• Scientific understanding of or experience with f-electron materials.
• Collaborative research experience within academia, industry, or government agencies.
• Postdoctoral research or similar experience.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

Work Location: Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. Working in the lab with potential offsite work up to 20% at management discretion.

Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible to apply for posted jobs. The position commitment for this role is 1 year.