Actinide Molecular and Solid-State Chemistry

What You Will Do

The Actinide Chemistry Team in the Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in actinide chemistry to perform laboratory research at the intersection of molecular and solid-state chemistry. Successful candidates will be joining a multi-disciplinary team that applies synthetic chemistry, mechanistic studies, molecular spectroscopic, and electronic structure theory to study and manipulate the chemistry of actinide molecular and solid-state materials. In this project, synthetic molecular and solid-state chemistry will be coupled with a combination of theory, electrochemistry, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopies, surface analytical techniques, NMR, IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experimental background and strong publication record in organometallic/inorganic (main group, transition metal or f-element) chemical synthesis and mechanistic studies.

• Experience in preparation and characterization of metal complexes.

• Proven in-depth experience in the handling of air-sensitive compounds, knowledge of NMR spectroscopy and x-Ray crystallography.

• A willingness to work with low-level radioactive natural thorium and depleted uranium materials.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment in a complex shared laboratory space. This includes active interfacing with both experimental and computational colleagues to assimilate research data and publishing.

• Proven strong technical and interpersonal communication and language skills both orally and in writing as evidenced by publications and technical presentations at inter(national) venues.

• Must be highly self-motivated to drive forward the research independently with their own creative ideas, in addition to direction from the mentor's research priorities.

• Demonstrated creative and proactive approach to scientific problem solving.

Education: 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:

• Demonstrated experience with electrochemistry, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopies, IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies, and high-resolution gas chromatography.

• Demonstrated experience with surface characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force or scanning probe microscopy, etc.

• Experience in the design, fabrication, and use of gas transfer lines.

• Experience with high pressure experimental operations.

• Experience in synthesizing and studying the reaction chemistry of metal hydrides.

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.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at ~~~ .

Note to Applicants:

Please send a cover letter (guideline: 1 - 2 pages) addressing (point-by-point) how you meet all of the minimum job requirements and as many of the desired skills listed when applying for the position.

A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required:

• Educational background; Degree dates; GPA with scale; Name of advisors.

• Work experience.

• Competitive honors and awards.

• Relevant extracurricular activities.

• Invited presentations (posters and invited talks); Grants; Patents; Peer-reviewed publications; Non-peer-reviewed publications.

• Names and complete contact information for 4 references. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered.

For additional technical inquiries, contact Dr. Jaqueline L. Kiplinger (~~~).

Candidates may be considered for Seaborg or Director's Postdoctoral Fellowships. Outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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)

Additional Details

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.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 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 ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.