Postdoctoral Positions in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

Seeking two outstanding candidates with extensive inorganic, organic or organometallic chemistry experience to support emerging/growing programs focused on the fields of actinide chemistry and nuclear security.  Candidates will be performing synthetic chemistry to prepare, isolate and characterize novel compounds including those of the transition metals, or the actinides.  Study and optimization of metal catalyzed decomposition of organic compounds to generate gas pressure at low temperatures will also be pursued.  Candidates must be willing and able to work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists from multiple organizations including Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering , Theoretical and Weapons Divisions.

Minimum Job Requirements:

A strong  background and extensive hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry.  The ability to work creatively and independently.  Demonstrated excellence in  written and oral communication skills as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record.

Desired Skills:

Experience with standard wet- and air-sensitive chemistry techniques for molecular synthesis and characterization (chromatography, Schlenk, drybox, chromatography, NMR and optical spectroscopy, etc.)  Knowledge of ligand design.  Additional experience in structural analysis (XRD) is a plus.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and with  minimum supervision

· Demonstrated ability to plan and organize assignments so that schedules are met on time

· Ability to obtain a DOE “Q” clearance for one of the programs.

Education:

Ph.D. in chemistry within the last five years or soon to be completed is required

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.  Both positions are in the Chemistry Division in the Inorganic, Isotope and Actinide Chemistry group (C-IIAC).

Notes to Applicants:

If interested, please send a CV with the names of three references to Jim Boncella at Boncella@lanl.gov   For additional technical details, contact Dr. Jim Boncella at Boncella@lanl.gov

Q Clearance:

Applicants selected to proceed with Q Clearance will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements*.

*Eligibility requirements:

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

Pre-Employment Drug Test:

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

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 Oppernheimer or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

 

For general information on the LANL Postdoc Program go to

http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoralresearch/index.php.

Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.  We welcome and encourage applications from the broadest possible range of qualified candidates.  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 email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-5627.