Scientist Postdoctoral Research Associate

** What You Will Do*
* The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated person for the position of Materials Scientist Postdoctoral Research Associate. C-CDE is an applied technology organization focusing on weapons materials characterization, surveillance, and manufacturing; applied and basic energy sciences; threat reduction; and the environment. C-CDE integrates and applies technologies using scientific expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Process Development and/or Chemical Engineering.

C-CDE engages in Laboratory missions including material characterization and development, weapons support, and environmental mitigation. The highly interdisciplinary nature of these activities requires scientists and engineers who can seamlessly operate among traditional academic disciplines. The successful applicant will work both collaboratively and independently on C-CDE projects.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in materials science and the characterization of both inorganic and organic materials. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research supporting the development and evaluation of materials including inorganic solids, polymers, formulations, coatings, adhesives, composites, and uranium-containing materials. The candidate will apply scientific principles and methods to solve complex technical problems;

develop novel techniques or principles; analyze and interpret data. The position will require direct interaction with colleagues and sponsors, and the preparation of proposals, manuscripts, and technical reports.

** Responsibilities for the selected candidate may include, but are not limited to:*
* + Apply and develop a variety of chemical and physical characterization techniques such as SEM, BET, XRD, Raman, FTIR, and rheological analysis, for both inorganic and organic materials.

+ Conduct research to determine reaction mechanisms and kinetics of gas/solid phase interfaces including uranium metal corrosion.

+ Characterize and analyze organic materials including polymers, resins, adhesives, coatings, and complex formulations using appropriate analytical techniques to support materials development and quality control efforts.

+ Design, assemble, and operate experimental systems under ambient and vacuum conditions to study gas diffusion, transport, adsorption, and surface reactions.

+ Contribute to internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate to meet program objectives.

+ Work unsupervised on individual projects and/or contributes to larger team efforts. Make scientific judgments that affect project direction but often seek feedback or receive review.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + Hands-on experience with several chemical or physical characterization techniques relevant to the materials described above.

+ Experience characterizing both: inorganic materials, such as metals, oxides, minerals, porous materials, ceramics, or related solids; and organic or polymeric materials, such as polymers, resins, coatings, adhesives, formulations, or composites.

+ Proven ability applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to lead a project from conception to development and execution, with follow-on plans for future work.

+  Proven self-motivator and technical leader.

+  Proven ability to work effectively both in a team and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.

+  Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and organize, and work efficiently under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.

+ Documented record of working safely and responsibly in a scientific laboratory.

** Desired Skills*
* + Demonstrated experience in developing and conducting experiments with radiological materials or sources.

+ Comfortable with hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, or modification of laboratory equipment and experimental systems.

+

Experience with instrumentation such as SEM, BET, XRD, and rheological analysis.

+ Experience studying surface reactions, corrosion, gas-solid interactions, adsorption, diffusion, or reaction kinetics.

+

Experience with porous inorganic materials, particularly zeolites, including synthesis, characterization, ion exchange, functionalization, or post-synthetic modification.

** Education*
* A Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science or a related field. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and must be within five years of completion of the Ph.D. Candidates may also have previous experience including postdoctoral experience.

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* 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.

** Note to Applicants:*
* Due to federal…