Actinide Molten Salts Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Plutonium Supply and Disposition (PSD-1) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a joint position with several chemistry groups [Inorganic Isotope Chemistry (C-IIAC), Physical and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS), SIGMA, or Materials Physics Applications (MPA)] for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Postdoctoral researchers will be working with a large group of collaborators including Bonnie Klamm, Nickolas Anderson, Aaron Tondreau, Benjamin Stein, Ryan Wilkerson, Tatyana Elkin, Cecilia Eiora-Lledo, and Stosh Kozimor.

The successful candidate will study the fundamental science of plutonium in molten salt environments for application in actinide separations, and will join a team of chemists, spectroscopists, and engineers to advance work that will support LANL's production goals. An ideal candidate will have a background in inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, or physical chemistry, and a strong technical skillset in air-free high temperature synthesis and characterization techniques.

Responsibilities may include designing and implementing the hardware necessary to complete this project, experimental synthetic research and development using air free techniques, and the associated spectroscopic studies needed to characterize the material.

The candidate is expected to be motivated for success and demonstrate a desire to perform at a high level in their chosen field. It is further expected that the successful candidate will present their work at national/international conferences and will publish their results both internally at LANL and in appropriately referred journals. This position requires a Q-clearance, which often requires United States citizenship.

• Demonstrated ability to safely handle, manipulate, and perform synthesis with reactive chemicals in a rigorously air- and moisture-free environment (i.e. Schlenk line and drybox techniques).
• Demonstrated practical laboratory experience with characterization techniques like NMR, UV/Vis, FTIR, and XRD and NIR absorption spectroscopies.
• Mechanically minded and able to plan and implement novel hardware setups.
• Demonstrated record of technical excellence and innovative thinking as evidenced by multiple first-author publications.
• A willingness and desire to learn new skills, develop additional proficiencies, and work on emerging projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Persevering and remaining positive and productive with difficult projects.

A Ph.D. from an accredited program in organometallic/inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or related fields. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Demonstrated practical laboratory experience in safely handling radiological and pyrophoric materials.
Possess a working familiarity with electrochemistry and electrochemical working knowledge;
Proven ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.
Demonstrated experience in applying fundamental scientific concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Applicants should be prepared to provide academic transcripts and three letters of reference upon request.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in 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…