Postdoctoral Research Associate

Outdoors, exposure to wildlife, in a hot or cold environment 5 - 100 F, in a wet or humid environment, in a noisy environment, under unusual lighting conditions; near sources of ionizing radiation, near sources of non-ionizing radiation, with weapons or explosives, with vibrating equipment/machinery, near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, fumes, carcinogens; wearing face shield or facial protection, wearing mask or respirator, use of hearing protection, wearing gloves or hand protection, wearing safety shoes or protective footgear; operation of motor vehicles, operation of specialized heavy equipment; working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic and international travel possible. Skills & experience using laboratory diagnostic equipment: Using equipment such as oscilloscopes, delay generators, Labview DAQ systems, high-speed videography, infrared videography, photosensors, velocimetry techniques, range-finding techniques, lasers, pressure systems, pressure gauges, vacuum systems, vacuum gauges, force transducers, blast gauges, piezo pins, fiber optics, thermometry, hydraulic systems, control systems, PID controllers, heating systems.

What You Will Do

M-6 is seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team. The Explosive Applications and Special Projects Group (M-6) within the Dynamic Experiments (M) Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory conducts research to study the initiation and performance of high explosives (HE) through mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic mechanisms. Our areas of expertise include non-shock initiation of HE, HE-driven pulsed-power, special energetic materials, and special security projects in service to the Laboratory, nation, and other national security areas. We also develop and perfect the use of state-of-the-art diagnostics tools to collect and analyze data on various high-rate events. Such tools include a variety of precision sensors that measure very short-duration, high-speed changes in temperature, pressure, and position, e.g., high-speed photography, PDV, and radiography. This complex work requires a multitude of advanced research and development activities, such as:

• Handling of high explosives.
• Designing explosive and inert experiments, assemblies, and experimental apparatus.
• Translating experimental concepts and requirements into fieldable mechanical designs.
• Identifying appropriate materials, processes, and manufacturers to meet project specifications.
• Quoting, ordering, tracking and receiving components.
• Executing experiments.
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data.
• Reporting and presenting experimental results.

The Postdoctoral (Postdoc) Program offers the opportunity for appointees to perform research in a scientifically rich research and development environment; present and publish research; and contribute to the research efforts at the Laboratory, the advancement of knowledge in the areas of basic and applied research, and the strengthening of our national scientific and technical capabilities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• The position requires knowledge of and experience contributing to the following aspects of assigned projects under regular direction and supervision:
• Education and experience in conducting experimental science: Experience designing and executing research and development projects, as well as data acquisition and data analysis.
• Understanding of materials properties: A foundational knowledge of basic materials properties, including the concepts of stress, strain, yield, strength, ductility, toughness.
• Skills & experience using laboratory diagnostic equipment: Using equipment such as oscilloscopes, delay generators, Labview DAQ systems, high-speed videography, infrared videography, photosensors, velocimetry techniques, range-finding techniques, lasers, pressure systems, pressure gauges, vacuum systems, vacuum gauges, force transducers, blast gauges, piezo pins, fiber optics, thermometry, hydraulic systems, control systems, PID controllers, heating systems.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal, presentation, and written skills, as demonstrated by relationships built, briefings, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Delivery: working to a defined scope, schedule, and budget, both independently and as part of a team.

Education/Experience: Candidates are eligible to be considered for a postdoctoral position within five years of receiving their Ph.D. and the Postdoc Program Office submission deadlines corresponding to the quarterly meeting being proposed, or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with performing materials properties measurements, e.g. load frame stress/strain testing, tensile testing, Kolsky bar, Brazilian disc, BET surface area, etc.
• Documented record of technical achievement in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience working in an environment with hazards such as energized systems, high explosives, radiological materials, pressurized systems, or chemicals.
• Understanding of dynamic experimental diagnostics, e.g., piezo pins, PDV, high-speed imaging devices, accelerometers, strain-gages, etc.
• Experience conducting tests and experiments in laboratories and/or outdoors.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated maintenance of an organized and tidy work environment.
• Ability to constructively participate in a collaborative, team environment.

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Color discrimination, peripheral vision, depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, distance vision; ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to smell, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz); sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting the trunk or back, balancing, reaching overhead, reaching horizontally, reaching down; applying torque with hands or arms, gripping with the hand, pressing with hands or arms, pushing with hands or arms, pulling with hands or arms, fine motor control, use of both hands, use of both arms, use of both legs, use of both feet, lifting 20-30 pounds, carrying 20-30 pounds.

Work Environment:

Outdoors, exposure to wildlife, in a hot or cold environment 5 - 100 F, in a wet or humid environment, in a noisy environment, under unusual lighting conditions; near sources of ionizing radiation, near sources of non-ionizing radiation, with weapons or explosives, with vibrating equipment/machinery, near machinery with moving parts, toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, dusts or powders, fumes, carcinogens; wearing face shield or facial protection, wearing mask or respirator, use of hearing protection, wearing gloves or hand protection, wearing safety shoes or protective footgear; operation of motor vehicles, operation of specialized heavy equipment; working alone, working overtime or irregular schedule, domestic and international travel possible.

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.

Note to Applicants:

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.

Please include a resume and cover letter detailing how you meet the listed required and desired skills, qualifications, and experience of the position.

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 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.

Clearance: Q(Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

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 throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.

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