Synthetic Actinide Postdoc

What You Will Do

The Inorganic, Isotope, Actinide Chemistry group (C-IIAC) at Los Alamos National Laboratory are seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in the Heavy Element Chemistry (HEC) team, which will specialize in the study of fundamental lanthanide and actinide synthesis and spectroscopy. The successful candidate will join a team of chemists, spectroscopists, and theorists to conduct research that addresses the fundamental physical and chemical behavior of f-block complexes under rigorously air- and moisture-free environments. Responsibilities will include: implementing the experimental design necessary to complete this project, executing the experimental synthetic R&D using an inert atmosphere drybox and/or Schlenk-line techniques, performing associated spectroscopic and magnetic studies needed to characterize the material, and assisting with manuscript preparation. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated for success and demonstrate a desire to perform at a high-level and aspiration to be a leader in inorganic/organometallic chemistry. 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 appropriate refereed journals.

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 (Schlenk line and drybox techniques);

• Demonstrated practical laboratory experience with molecular characterization techniques like NMR, UV/Vis, IR & NIR absorption spectroscopies as well as powder and single-crystal X-Ray diffraction techniques;

• Synthetically motivated and able to plan and implement novel synthesis;

• 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, develop relationships with those of different backgrounds, 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 lanthanide, actinide, and/or transition metal complexes;

• Demonstrated practical laboratory experience in safely handling main-group (e.g., P, Ga, Si) complexes;

• Demonstrated practical laboratory experience in safely working with flammable 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.

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 $92,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at ~~~ .

Note to Applicants:

• Applicants should be prepared to provide academic transcripts and three letters of reference upon request

• This position is targeting a hire date in late summer to early autumn (August-September)

• If interested, please contact Aaron Tondreau ( ~~~ ) with questions or for discussion regarding LANL, the project, or laboratory areas.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science supporting several national security missions. 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. Inorganic, Isotope, and Actinide Chemistry (IIAC) performs research and addresses mission needs related to the nation's nuclear energy, renewable energy and medical imaging arenas. Mission thrust areas within the group include actinide chemistry supporting new materials and separation processes, development of the production methods and applications of accelerator-produced radioisotopes, and energy storage/production methods using chemical systems. Basic and applied research conducted within the group includes nuclear chemistry and physics, accelerator target physics, inorganic chemistry, catalysis and chemical transformations, and environmental chemistry in support of these programs.

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 or preference, 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.