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High Pressure Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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High Pressure Physics Postdoc information

What is a High Pressure Physics Postdoc?

A High Pressure Physics Postdoc is a researcher who has completed their Ph.D. and is engaged in advanced research focused on the study of materials and phenomena under extreme pressure conditions. These postdoctoral scientists work to understand how matter behaves at high pressures, which can lead to discoveries about the fundamental properties of materials, planetary interiors, and novel phases of matter. Their work often involves using specialized equipment such as diamond anvil cells and synchrotron X-ray sources. High Pressure Physics Postdocs typically work in university labs, government research institutions, or national laboratories, collaborating with physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.

What are some common challenges faced by a High Pressure Physics Postdoc when conducting experiments?

High Pressure Physics Postdocs often encounter challenges related to the complexity and sensitivity of high-pressure experimental setups. Maintaining stable pressure and temperature conditions, ensuring accurate calibration of equipment, and preventing sample contamination are frequent hurdles. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected results or equipment malfunctions requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with engineers and other researchers. Staying updated on the latest techniques and safety protocols is also essential for success in this dynamic research environment.

What is the difference between High Pressure Physics Postdoc vs Materials Scientist?

AspectHigh Pressure Physics PostdocMaterials Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in Physics, specialized in high pressure experimentsPhD in Materials Science or related field
Work environmentResearch labs, universities, national labs with high-pressure equipmentIndustrial labs, research centers, academia focusing on material development
Industry usageAcademic research, fundamental physics studiesProduct development, material testing, applied research

High Pressure Physics Postdocs focus on fundamental physics under extreme conditions, often in academic or research settings. Materials Scientists work on developing and testing new materials, typically in industrial or applied research environments. While both roles require advanced degrees and involve laboratory work, their primary goals and industry applications differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a High Pressure Physics Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High Pressure Physics Postdoc, you need a PhD in physics or a related field, with expertise in condensed matter or materials science and experience in high-pressure experimental techniques. Familiarity with diamond anvil cells, synchrotron radiation, advanced spectroscopy, and data analysis software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and scientific communication skills set candidates apart in this research-intensive role. These abilities are crucial for advancing experimental research, publishing findings, and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific teams.
Infographic showing various High Pressure Physics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.
High Pressure Quantum Matter Postdoc

High Pressure Quantum Matter Postdoc

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

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Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

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Job description

Description
Job Title High Pressure Quantum Matter Postdoc
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name MPA-MAG Lab NHMFL Group (MPA-MAGLAB)
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Pulsed Field Facility of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) at Los Alamos National Laboratory has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral position in experimental condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on tunneling and thermodynamic measurements at high pressure and high magnetic fields on f-electron quantum materials. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about physics to develop and explore new ideas on quantum materials. The NHMFL is a user facility for research in materials, chemistry, and life sciences. The Pulsed Field Facility is dedicated to providing the largest non-destructive magnetic fields, in the lowest noise environments, for materials research. The postdoc will work on a collaborative project between the Pulsed Field Facility and the Quantum groups at LANL.
Any inquiries about this specific opening and other opportunities within our group are welcome and should be sent to Dr. Mun Chan (mkchan@lanl.gov) and Dr. Eric Bauer (edbauer@lanl).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics
  • The ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of peers and supervisors
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to work independently, creatively, and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated abilities in writing peer reviewed publications
  • Expertise in the following areas:
    • High pressure expertise using a Diamond-Anvil-Cell (DAC)
    • Basic characterization (e.g., electrical and thermal transport, magnetization, and specific heat) of materials

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics or related fields completed within the past five years or soon to be completed is required. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Measurements of electrical resistivity, thermometry, or thermal transport in a DAC
  • X-ray diffraction, magnetic diffraction, or X-ray spectroscopy in a DAC
  • Laser-heating of materials in a DAC
  • Strong background in the physics of f -electron materials
  • Measurements at cryogenic temperatures

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:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. In addition to applying on-line, please submit a CV, publication list, a brief statement of research interests and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of 4 potential references to mkchan@lanl.gov. Please include a cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: Educational background, degree dates; Work experience; Competitive honors; Relevant extracurricular activities; Peer-Reviewed Publications; Non-peer-reviewed Publications; References. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as 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
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 (PTO 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.
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 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
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