Job Description

What You Will Do

The Materials in Radiation and Dynamic Extremes (MST-8) of the Materials Science and Technology Division is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for a computational materials science postdoctoral researcher. This position will entail applying computational and theoretical skills utilizing electronic structure, computational thermodynamics and/or phase field modeling to multiscale studies of solid-state phase transformations. The successful candidate will be expected to have knowledge in use of density functional theory (DFT) codes, such as VASP, WIEN2K, and SIESTA, phase field models and/or calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD). The successful candidate will interact closely across groups and divisions on collaborative projects to help address LANL missions.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or other relevant technical discipline
• Familiarity with and understanding of electronic structure (DFT) codes, CALPHAD, and/or phase field modeling, including extensive research experience using one or both
• Demonstration of dependability and ability to work effectively, and to work in a team environment
• A commitment to technical and scientific excellence as well as timeliness of deliverables
• Demonstrate a record of successful documentation of technical work and the ability to express ideas clearly in oral and written formats
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires US citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in studying 4f and/or 5f strongly-correlated materials
• Understanding of materials science, metallurgy, and solid-state phase transitions
• Publication record in electronic structure calculations
• Publication record in CALPHAD or phase field modeling
• DOE Q clearance

Work Environment

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.

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 $97,000.00. For more information go to the Postdoc Program website at

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of Chinaincluding the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macauas 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.

Where You Will Work

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. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States.

Clearance: Q (Position may be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.
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• 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: 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.

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If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

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