Postdoctoral Research Associate

** What You Will Do*
* We seek a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in polymer chemistry, polymer composites, and materials characterization, with complementary strengths in polymer synthesis and polymer characterization. Research will emphasize developing and evaluating polymer-based materials, understanding polymer aging and degradation, and establishing structure-property relationships.

Depending on their expertise, successful candidates will design and synthesize polymers, develop polymer and composite formulations, and/or characterize their chemical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and surface properties. Responsibilities include developing research ideas, designing and conducting experiments, interpreting experimental data, and communicating findings through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations. The Postdoctoral Associates will conduct independent research while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

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* Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in at least one of the following areas:

+ Polymer synthesis:
Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry and hands-on experience in polymer design, synthesis, and chemical characterization.

+ Polymer characterization:
Broad knowledge of and strong hands-on experience with analytical techniques for characterizing the chemical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and/or surface properties of polymers and polymer-based composites.

All candidates must also demonstrate:

+ A strong publication record relevant to their area of expertise.

+ The ability to develop original research ideas and independently design, conduct, and interpret experiments.

+ Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage research activities to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals.

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

+ The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

+ The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners across research institutions and industry.

** Desired

Qualifications:

*
* + Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired. Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas.

+ Organic and polymer synthesis, including controlled polymerization methods, such as anionic polymerization, and/or organic synthesis relevant to functional monomers and polymers.

+ Air- and moisture-sensitive synthesis using Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques.

+ Isolation, purification, and chemical or structural characterization of monomers, intermediates, and polymers using techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and SEC/GPC.

+ Characterization of polymer thermal and thermomechanical properties using techniques such as TGA, DSC, DMA, and TMA.

+ Mechanical testing and rheological characterization of polymers and polymer-based composites.

+ Characterization of polymer structure, morphology, and surface properties using techniques such as solid-state NMR, AFM, XPS, XRD, SEM, and TEM.

+ Formulation and processing of polymers and polymer-based composites, with an emphasis on understanding and optimizing relationships among composition, processing, structure, and properties.

+ Experimental investigation of polymer aging and degradation and their effects on material properties and performance.

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* Education:

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

** Work Environment:*
* *
* 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:*
* Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

For general information go to Postdoc Program.

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…