Synthetic Actinide Chemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate
What You Will Do
A multidisciplinary team within the Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in organometallic, inorganic, and/or actinide chemistry to perform novel, cutting edge research involving the synthesis of thorium and uranium compounds and materials. Successful candidates will be responsible for conducting independent research and engaging in a broad set of activities across several scientific disciplines to address broader aspects of the laboratory's mission.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Excellent experimental background in synthetic organometallic or inorganic chemical synthesis including in-depth experience in the handling of air-sensitive compounds in rigorous air- and water-free atmospheres (i.e. glovebox use) and the appropriate use of analytical techniques to drive research progress and identify molecular compounds and materials (i.e. NMR, FTIR, UV-vis-NIR, XRD, pXRD, SEM/EDS)
- Willingness to work with low-level radioactive natural thorium and depleted uranium materials.
- Proven strong communication skills, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and the required cover letter.
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to participate collaboratively with team members and subject matter experts coupled with self-motivation to work independently and become a technical leader
Education/Experience:
A Ph.D. in chemistry. The candidate must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within 5 years of completion of the Ph.D.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working with low-level radiological materials
- Additional experiences in materials chemistry and/or electrochemistry
Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
COVID Vaccine:
The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.
Note to Applicants:
When applying for the position, please send a cover letter addressing how you meet all of the required skills described above. A current C.V. with the minimum following information is additionally required: Educational background, degree dates, GPA, name of advisor(s), Work experience, Competitive honors, Presentations, Peer-Reviewed Publications. Applicants should be prepared to provide academic transcripts and three letters of reference upon request. This job ad represents a collaborative research effort between Marisa J. Monreal (mmonreal@lanl.gov), and Karla A. Erickson (kaericks@lanl.gov); additional technical inquiries can be addressed to any/all of the PIs.
Where You Will Work
The post-doc will be part of a vibrant research team with staff scientists from the Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering Group (C-CDE, an applied analytical, polymer, material science and engineering organization) and the Inorganic Isotope and Actinide Chemistry Group (C-IIAC, an organization that focuses primarily on actinide chemistry and applications). Both groups endeavor to resolve national security-related issues in stockpile manufacturing and support, surveillance, applied and basic energy sciences, threat reduction, public health, the environment, and space exploration-as such, the post-doc will be exposed to a broad range of applications and mission work conducted at national laboratories. The research team participates collaboratively throughout the Chemistry Division and the Laboratory to utilize scientific expertise in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Microbiology, Explosives, Chemical Process Development and/or Chemical Engineering. The highly interdisciplinary nature of these activities requires scientists and engineers who can readily operate within, and transition between, the traditional academic disciplines.
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: