Description
Job Title Advanced Characterization Postdoc
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name MST-8 / Structure/Property Relations Group
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
MST-8 is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation and deformation twinning in structural materials, with emphasis on quantifying and analyzing microstructural and twin networks. The successful candidate will lead in situ and ex situ experimental campaigns to uncover how grain connectivity, twin nucleation, and evolving twin networks govern strain localization, hardening, and damage initiation.
The project will focus on high-resolution microstructural characterization and mesoscale mechanical testing to explicitly map grains, grain boundaries, twins, and twin boundary networks during deformation. The goal is to establish quantitative, network-based descriptions of microstructure and twin connectivity and directly link these to measured local plastic response.
The candidate is expected to disseminate results in leading journals in materials science and mechanics. Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to clearly articulate mechanistic insight is essential.
The candidate will collaborate closely with computational researchers developing crystal plasticity and network-based modeling frameworks, providing high-quality experimental datasets for validation and mechanistic interpretation.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated expertise in experimental plasticity of metals.
- Strong knowledge of deformation twinning mechanisms and twin boundary physics.
- Expertise in EBSD analysis, including twin identification and grain boundary characterization.
- Experience with in-situ SEM mechanical testing and microstructural evolution studies.
- Demonstrated knowledge of metals deformation behavior and microstructure-property relationships.
- Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience analyzing slip-twin interactions and twin network evolution.
- Experience with high-resolution strain mapping techniques (e.g., digital image correlation).
- Experience with 3D microstructure characterization or serial sectioning methods.
- Experience preparing metallographic samples for EBSD and in situ testing.
- A strong publication record demonstrating the ability to independently drive projects to high-impact outcomes.
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary experimental-computational research teams.
Education : A PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.
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:
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.
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 Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.
For general information to the Postdoc Program go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .
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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*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 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.
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 .
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- 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: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip : To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
