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Experimental Quantum Materials Scientist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Dental Insurance, Ecosystems, Government, Laboratory, Leadership, Material Science, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Problem Solving Skills, Proposal Development, Proposal Writing, Publications, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Scientific Research, Team Player, Topology, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, United States Department of Defense (DoD), United States Department of Energy (DOE), Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has immediate openings for one or more scientifically outstanding and highly motivated experimental quantum materials scientists. This position is in the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team (SCES Team), which is part of the Materials Physics and Applications Division's Quantum Group (MPA-Q). MPA-Q is a ~45-person, ~$25M, research and development organization focusing on the discovery, understanding, and exploitation of quantum phenomena in materials science, measurement, computation, and secure communications. Areas of leadership include: strongly correlated electronic and topological materials; condensed matter physics of actinide and f-electron systems; atom trap-based experiment for quantum sensing, computing, and simulations; quantum communication and advanced networking for national and energy security; and ultrasensitive magnetic field measurement and magnetic resonance techniques for basic research and applied science. New directions include artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and the development of partnerships to strengthen and grow the regional and national quantum economic ecosystem. Research sponsors include DOE, DOD, LDRD, and various global security (GS) programs.

The fundamental purpose of MPA-Q is to be the experimental heart of quantum science and technology development at Los Alamos National Laboratory, a scientific capability center for the realization of the Second Quantum Revolution through basic research and mission science. A key aspect of this is to discover, understand, and control strong electronic correlations in quantum matter inherent to actinide science.

The new Quantum Materials Scientists will be members of a research team that focuses on discovering and understanding new phenomena in strongly correlated electron materials. Correlated f-electron-based systems are a particular area of emphasis and studies of magnetism, spin fluctuations and electronic structure often play a crucial role in understanding novel states of matter, including (but not limited to) quantum criticality, topological matter, quantum spin systems, heavy fermion physics, low dimensional physics, spin-orbit coupled systems, unconventional superconductivity, and other new phases of matter that often emerge at low temperatures. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out experiments in the laboratory (or at user facilities) that is most appropriate for the desired measurements. The candidate will be expected to contribute to ongoing technical work as well as to develop and prepare proposals for new research initiatives. The candidate should be able to work effectively as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary research team, which includes sample growth, transport and thermodynamic measurements, NMR, and measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure, high magnetic fields, and low temperature) to explore new physics through new materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated record of technical excellence and achievement in studies of quantum materials, correlated-electron materials, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with experimental measurement techniques and understanding of state-of-the art experimental methods.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with relevant physical theory and analysis of data.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high impact scientific projects from conception through to publication.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including scientific creativity and technical problem solving.
  • Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and mission science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with time.

Education and/or Experience: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation. In general, an advanced degree (e.g., M.S. or Ph.D.) in related to MPA-Q research is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions, for example, low temperature, high magnetic field, or high pressure.
  • Scientific understanding of or experience with f-electron materials.
  • Demonstrated collaborative research experience, within academia, industry or government agencies.
  • Postdoctoral research or similar research experience.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship.

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. Working in the lab and in close proximity to other experimental researchers and labs, with flexibility for offsite work up to 20%.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:
Submit your application at: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/
For full consideration, applicants must submit two things: (1) a cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position and (2) a resume or curriculum vitae with list of publications.

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 maternity 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.

No Clearance: 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. 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.


About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory