What are the responsibilities and job description for the Actinide Molten Salts Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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:
Applicants should be prepared to provide academic transcripts and three letters of reference upon request.
If interested, please contact Tabitha Kalin (tkalin@lanl.gov) with questions or for discussion regarding LANL, the project, or laboratory areas.
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.
Where You Will Work
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:
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.
Clearance: Q (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.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- 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.
Desired Qualifications:
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.
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:
Applicants should be prepared to provide academic transcripts and three letters of reference upon request.
If interested, please contact Tabitha Kalin (tkalin@lanl.gov) with questions or for discussion regarding LANL, the project, or laboratory areas.
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.
Where You Will Work
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 of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (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.
- 712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
- Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.