Polymer Degradation and Aging Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate to study how polymers age and degrade. The position is split equally between two funded projects that share one scientific core: aging polymers in fluids, detecting the damage through the gases they release, and confirming it through property changes.

• Fabricate and characterize polymer thin films with varied thickness, basis weight, porosity, tensile and tear strength, and fluid impregnation.
• Design and run controlled and accelerated aging experiments on polymer materials in different fluids (e.g. oils, solvents, and aqueous solutions) media.
• Measure gas-phase degradation products by dissolved gas analysis of aged fluids and by headspace GC-MS of polymer volatiles.
• Track material property changes with aging by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical and standard fluid compatibility tests, and dielectric and partial discharge testing.
• Apply statistics to experimental design, uncertainty analysis, and comparisons with incumbent materials, and curate the resulting datasets.
• Collaborate with materials, electrical engineering, and statistics colleagues and industrial partners, and report results in sponsor reports and publications.

Hands-on experience with polymer aging, degradation, or compatibility experiments under thermal, chemical, or fluid exposure.

• Hands-on experience with gas chromatography or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Experience with two or more polymer characterization techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, or mechanical testing.
• A record of peer‑reviewed publications and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively, and work safely in a laboratory.

• Statistical analysis of experimental data (design of experiments, regression, uncertainty analysis) and scripting in Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Experience with electrical insulating materials or fluids, dielectric testing, or related ASTM, IEC, or IEEE test methods.
• Experience with high‑performance polymers such as PBI, polyimides, or aramids.
• Experience with fiber or paper processing, such as wet‑laid forming, electrospinning, or calendering.
• Knowledge of polymer‑solvent interactions, including swelling and plasticization.

A Ph.D. in materials science, polymer science, chemistry, chemical engineering, 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.

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.

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 in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical…