What You Will Do

The Group of Physics and Chemistry of Materials in the Theoretical Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory has an immediate postdoctoral position available for a talented and motivated researcher interested in at least one of the following areas: (i) electronic structure theory calculations for design of materials for CO2 capture and electroreduction, (ii) computational vibrational spectroscopy and (iii) machine learning and data science approaches for materials science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage with a dynamic, multidisciplinary experimental and theoretical research team that bridges fundamental science with applications and results-oriented electrocatalyst materials development and integration.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

The successful candidate must have strong knowledge and experience, with an excellent scientific record of publications, in electronic structure theory and atomistic simulation of materials and/or computational spectroscopy. Preference will be given to candidates that also have experience in machine learning and data science approaches applied to materials research. The ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a diverse multi-disciplinary team is important. Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications, cover letter, and interview, are required.

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in either theoretical/computational Electrochemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry or related area completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.

Desired Qualifications:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:

• Knowledge of modern electronic structure theory codes (e.g., VASP, QuantumEspresso) and their application for modeling materials properties

• Experience in modeling of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction

• Experience in machine learning and data science analysis approaches for spectroscopy

• HPC user experience

• Python/Matlab coding experience

• Excellent communication and writing skills

• Ability to collaborate with others in a multi-disciplinary team

• Willingness to work productively on multiple projects

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

COVID Vaccine:

The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.

Note to Applicants:

Contact one of the project members with questions about this position: Ivana Gonzales (ivana@lanl.gov), Wilton Kort-Kamp (kortkamp@lanl.gov), or Edward Holby (holby@lanl.gov).

Please upload

• CV with the publication list

• a brief statement of research interests and future plans (maximum of one page) with

• the names of at least two references

to start your application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The position has an initial appointment of 2 years, with a possible extension for the 3rd year depending on performance and availability of funds.

Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.

Additional information on salary ranges and other benefits can be found online at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php?source=globalheadernav .

For more information about the Postdoc Program, go to https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php
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 (paid sick, vacation, 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.Employment StatusFull Time