What You Will Do

We seek a highly talented and motivated Post Baccalaureate researcher with a strong background in chemical synthesis, especially nanomaterials synthesis. Overall, research is motivated by the broad goal to discover, develop and apply new functional (e.g., optical, plasmonic) colloidal nanomaterials. The successful applicant will demonstrate an aptitude and willingness to directly participate in a dynamic research group by conducting synthesis, surface functionalization and assembly of semiconductor quantum dots or hybrid semiconductor-plasmonic nanomaterials and evaluating their optical properties. The postbac would employ standard air-sensitive handling equipment, e.g., Schlenk line, thin-film preparation tools (e.g., spin coater, Langmuir-Blodgett trough), optical spectrometers, and a nanoparticle analyzer. The successful candidate will do this work in collaboration with the synthesis team, as well as engaging with staff scientists, postdocs and students in other areas involving advanced characterization and nanomaterials applications.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Strong chemical synthesis skills using air-sensitive handling techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and effectively execute new laboratory skills.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability to grow as a researcher and make significant contributions to ongoing research programs.

Education/Experience: B.A. or B.S. in chemistry, with an emphasis on inorganic, organic or materials chemistry, completed within the last 3 years and a 3.0 Cumulative GPA.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong chemical synthesis skills using air-sensitive handling techniques applied to nanocrystal synthesis.

• Direct experience with semiconductor quantum dots.

• Direct experience with colloidal nanomagnets.

• Experience with nanocrystal self-assembly.

• Experience with optical and structural characterization techniques.

• Experience with planning and executing of complex, multistep reactions.

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:

• Contact Jennifer Hollingsworth (jenn@lanl.gov) directly about this position.

• At least 2 letters of recommendation are required.

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 (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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.

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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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, 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.

"How To Apply" Section

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