Synthetic Organic Chemistry Postdoc

What You Will Do

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated organic chemist to synthesize novel N-containing aliphatic and aromatic heterocycles for applications in energetic materials, including explosives and propellants. This will involve separation, purification, and isolation of target compounds and characterization using a variety of physical and analytical techniques. This work will require the selected applicant to work independently to design, execute, document, and analyze organic chemical reactions and isolate compounds of interest.

The postdoctoral term is two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension and a start date between August 2026 and January 2027.

The selected applicant should be experienced with performing and interpreting infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies. HPLC and mass spectrometry experience may also be beneficial. Additionally, the selected applicant will be expected to work effectively in a team environment, as collaboration with other experimental and computational scientists is expected. This work may lead to the potential for both publications in chemical journals as well as applications in projects with national security missions.

• Q clearance:
  The selected applicant will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, which requires U.S. citizenship
• Experience in organic chemical synthesis
• Experience in a variety of separation, purification, and isolation techniques
• Experience in characterizing organic compounds by various techniques including infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies
• A willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of energetic materials in a rigorous safety environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Applicant must have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field. The selected applicant must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D.

• Experience in novel organic synthesis
• Experience in developing new synthetic pathways
• Experience with the safe handling of reactive materials

The work location for this position is onsite and located 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 the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged on strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous 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)

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens.

Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

Eligibility requirements:
To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

The Laboratory requires successful…