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Los Alamos National Laboratory

Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545

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Overview

The Nuclear Materials Science (MST-16) group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks outstanding candidates with strong theoretical and practical backgrounds in mechanical testing and processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials. As a member of the Dynamic and Mechanical Testing (DMT) team in MST-16, the successful candidate will support two key projects scheduled for funding in the upcoming fiscal years. The research focuses on mechanical characterization of materials at both small and bulk scales, with an emphasis on nano-indentation techniques and the processing-microstructure-property relationships in molybdenum-based alloys.

Responsibilities

Conduct nano-indentation testing including standard nano-indentation, creep testing via nano-indentation, strain-rate jump tests, and spherical indentation for stress-strain characterization.

Conduct bulk mechanical testing including quasi-static and dynamic tension/compression tests.

Analyze and compare mechanical tests data across scales.

Determine protocols for using nano-indentation as a reliable proxy for mechanical behavior.

Prepare and section alloy samples for testing and perform controlled heat treatments and thermal process simulations.

Correlate mechanical performance with thermal processing windows and certification specs.

Contribute to the development of scientific proposals/programs and serve as a mentor for students involved in these programs.

Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.

Serve as a subject matter expert within a team to help guide the future development of capabilities.

Contribute to intellectual property such as technical reports and relevant publications in scientific journals.

Author papers in peer reviewed scientific journals and present work at scientific conferences.

What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Hands-on experience with nano-indentation and mechanical testing.

Strong understanding of deformation mechanisms in metals.

Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation of mechanical property results.

Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer reviewed publication record.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with high-temperature materials or refractory alloys.

Familiarity with spherical indentation modeling and interpretation.

Background in metallography and thermal treatments.

Experience in computer programming using modern computing languages.

Experience with analytical electron microscopy methods (SEM, EDS, EBSD).

Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise.

Essential Job Functions (Can perform with or without reasonable accommodation.)

Work Location Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Salary Competitive salaries based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed, or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $97k.

Note to Applicants For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills and a full resume. For more information on the Postdoc program at LANL, please refer to the LANL careers page.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, certain nationalities are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes LANL.

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 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

Additional Details Directive 206.2: Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship except in rare circumstances.

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. 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. If an employee has not served the required period, they may apply with documented approval of their Division Leader. See Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account: follow the LANL instructions to activate or create an account and apply for jobs.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process. Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view details. Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. You must have a LANL jobs account. If you experience issues, email applyhelp@lanl.gov.

Seniority level: Not Applicable

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing and Research Services

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