Optical Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 3 postdoctoral positions in experimental condensed matter physics in high magnetic fields, each focusing on the following areas:

• Position #1: Magneto-optical spectroscopy of semiconducting, magnetic, and superconducting materials. Inquiries should be sent to Dr. Scott Crooker (crooker@lanl.gov)
• Position #2 : Thermal transport techniques, including specific heat and thermoelectric effects. This position offers opportunities to design and develop novel instrumentation, as well as to study thermal transport properties in both bulk crystals and thin films. The project aims to deepen understanding of phase transitions and the electronic behavior of quantum materials such as quantum spin liquids and topological semimetals. Inquiries regarding this position should be directed to Drs. KM Rubi (rubi@lanl.gov) and Minseong Lee (ml10k@lanl.gov)
• Position #3: Experimental studies of unconventional superconductivity and quantum magnetism using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, pulsed-echo techniques, and resonant magnetometry. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Chris Mizzi (mizzi@lanl.gov ) and Dr. Arkady Shekhter (ark@lanl.gov).

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 for research. The positions also provide opportunities for industrious candidates to pursue new collaborations, develop complementary techniques, and perform independent research within related topics at LANL.

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

Specific requirements for each position are
Position #1:

• Strong background in UV-VIS-IR optical spectroscopy (and/or THz spectroscopy), CW and/or ultrafast, ability to build and modify table-top experiments in a laser lab environment. Common methods include PL, absorption, MOKE / Faraday rotation (time-resolved & CW), scanning and spatial imaging.

Positions #2:

• Background in low-temperature (liquid Helium temperature) experimental condensed matter physics
• Hands-on experience with physical property measurements of materials, such as electrical transport, magnetization, heat capacity, thermoelectric transport.

Position #3:

• Experience designing and building custom RF instrumentation (MHz-GHz) and precision measurement electronics. Strong background in designing low-temperature experiments.

• Experience developing software for data acquisition, instrument control, and data analysis.

Candidates for any of the 3 positions must have:

• A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics
• The ability to communicate with peers and supervisors at all levels
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English and the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively
• Strong peer reviewed publication record

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Physics or related field 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:
Specific desired qualifications for each position are
Position #1 :

• Experience with CW and ultrafast lasers, detectors (CCDs, array detectors, photodiodes), optical fibers, cryogenics & optical cryostats, superconducting magnets, vacuum and electrical systems
• Experience with van der Waals stacking and assembly of 2D materials is also desired.
• Experience with time-domain THz spectroscopy is also of interest.

Position #2 :

• Strong knowledge of thermal properties of solids
• Experience with experiments in high magnetic fields and low temperatures
• Experience in instrumentation development for advanced measurements
• Familiarity with quantum spin liquids or topological semimetals

Position #3 :

• Experience preparing sub-mm-sized samples.
• Expertise in unconventional superconductivity and/or magnetism

Note to Applicants:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must include

• CV with the minimum following information: Educational background with degree dates; Work experience; Relevant extracurricular activities; Peer-reviewed publications; List at least 3 professional references with names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the applicant.

• Cover letter stating interest in one or more of the 3 positions; research interests and experience; how you meet the required and desired qualification listed for the position

Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered. In addition to applying online, the cover letter and C.V. must be sent via email to the points of contact of the relevant positions listed above.
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.
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.
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.