Battery Materials and Components Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to perform fundamental and applied research in synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration and testing of nanostructured materials and components for next-generation batteries based on sodium and lithium. Materials and systems of interest include advanced anodes (including Na or Li metal and Si), cathodes (including polyanionic cathodes and conversion cathodes), and solid state electrolytes.

The position will provide opportunities to learn about nano- and micro-scale synthesis and fabrication techniques for electrochemical systems, and could provide a fast track to a permanent position in the national laboratories.

Candidates must have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Battery materials synthesis and characterization
• Microfabrication and thin film deposition related to batteries
• Cell design, fabrication, and testing relevant to batteries

Candidates must also have:

• Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
• Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi‑disciplinary research environment

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

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:
• Advanced anodes based on Li metal, Na metal, or Si
• Advanced cathodes based on polyanions including NASICON-structured cathodes, sulfur, metal fluorides, metal sulfides, or disordered rock salts
• Advanced solid state electrolyte materials
• Fabrication of battery electrodes and coin cell assembly
• Thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
• Electrochemical device testing
• SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, XAS and other materials characterization techniques
• Electronics and typical laboratory test instruments

The work location for this position is onsite and located 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
• 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 the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens; 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.
• New‑Employment Drug Test – Successful applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. A positive test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.
• Internal Applicants – Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. Employees who have not served the required period of continuous service may only apply with documented approval of their Division Leader.

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…