Job Description
What You Will Do The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks qualified applicants for several postdoctoral openings, to push the boundaries of science and strengthen national scientific and technical capabilities in a highly engaging scientific environment. The successful candidates will be expected to perform outstanding research in the field of computational physics and chemistry on problems concerning properties and dynamics of materials. The members of the T-1 group, who would sponsor the postdoctoral associate, are experts in theory and simulation of materials using a wide range of techniques, spanning multiple length-scales, from the atomic to the continuum. We provide unique opportunities for cross disciplinary collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance. Outstanding applicants may be nominated for prestigious LANL-funded fellowships, enabling the pursuit of independent research.
The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group seeks to understand how basic forces operating at the atomic level manifest themselves in the properties of matter at the macroscopic level. The group maintains theory, modeling and simulation capabilities in a broad set of materials-related areas. Current activities in the group include research in atoms, molecules, solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas. Our goal is to provide innovative and creative solutions needed to solve technical problems across the Laboratory's missions, including energy security, stockpile stewardship, and global threat reduction.
What You Need Minimum Job Requirements:
Demonstrated expertise in one of the following:
- Electronic structure theory and atomistic simulations of materials
- Classical, semi-classical or quantum molecular dynamics
- Multiscale physics and continuum models
- Equation of state and thermodynamics
- Materials mechanical properties, reactive burn and flow
- Opacities and the physics of hot and warm dense matter
- Machine learning methods in their application to materials and chemistry research
- Quantum information science, quantum computing and quantum materials.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer reviewed publication record.
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
Education/Experience: A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computer Science, or related fields, completed within the last five years or soon to be completed.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in computer programming using modern computing languages.
- Experience in running large-scale computational physics, chemistry, or materials science codes based on atomistic quantum-chemical approaches and/or molecular
- dynamics using classical force-fields and/or continuum models.
- Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU computing.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
- Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible enough to learn new areas of research as needed.
- Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with people with a variety of expertise.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite (in person) and located in Los Alamos, NM.
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: For more information on Postdoc program at LANL, please refer to
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J.
Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. For general program information, refer to the Postdoc Program webpage
Contact:Dr. Sven Rudin (srudin@lanl.gov)
Dr. Sergei Tretiak (serg@lanl.gov)
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 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 DetailsDirective 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. 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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
Employment Status: Full time or part time options available
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
- Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, For contractors, Local area, Relocation, Flexible hours,