Postdoctoral Research Associate​/Elastic Properties of Actinide Materials

What You Will Do

Work at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at LANL (MPA-MAGLAB) to conduct research on the influence of composition, microstructure, synthesis, and processing on the elastic properties of advanced materials. An emphasis will be on actinide compounds grown in different ways (e.g., cast, wrought). The research will mostly use, and improve, state-of-the-art resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to extract symmetry-resolved information on point defects and single crystal elastic moduli from polycrystalline samples.

These efforts will focus on understanding aging effects, temperature-dependent properties (e.g., anharmonicity), and phase transitions and stability. Work will involve collaborations with an interdisciplinary group of experimentalists and theorists spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Experience with experimental research in condensed matter or material science
• Ability to work independently, creatively, and in a team environment
• Must have excellent written and communication skills in English

A background in experimental condensed matter or material science with knowledge of either cryogenics or high temperatures (up to 1500 °C). Experience with elastic or mechanical properties is preferred.

A Ph.D. in Physics or Material Science is required. The candidate must be within 5 years of completion of Ph.D. at time of being proposed for review by the committee and will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

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

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

For further information, please contact Boris Maiorov (maiorov) and Chris Mizzi (mizzi).

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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)

No security clearance is required. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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 applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request.