Detailed Description:

The Rare Earth Element Recovery (REECoVER) Team in the Chemistry Division is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position that will focus on chemistry-based Rare Earth Element (REE) Separations and REE/Actinide Separations. Successful candidates will be joining a multi-disciplinary team that applies synthetic chemistry, chemical- and electrochemical-based separations, mechanistic studies, molecular spectroscopic, and electronic structure theory to study and manipulate the unusual chemistry performed by actinide element compounds. In this project, synthetic chemistry will be coupled with a combination of electrochemistry, theory, X-ray diffraction, electronic absorption and emission spectroscopies, NMR, IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies.

#chemistry #c-iiac #chempostdoc

Job Requirements:

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated experimental background and strong publication record in organometallic/inorganic (main group, transition metal or f-element) chemical synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic studies.

• Demonstrated experience with metal separations chemistry.

• Demonstrated experience with applied electrochemistry and electroplating.

• Proven in-depth experience in the handling of air- and water-sensitive compounds (Schlenk, inert atmosphere glovebox usage and maintenance, rigorous solvent drying).

• Experience in organic synthetic chemistry, such as demonstrated experience with separation media modification for separations, including multi-step substrate syntheses.

• A willingness to work with low-level radioactive natural thorium and depleted uranium materials in a rigorous safety environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently, and in a collaborative environment, in a complex shared laboratory space. This includes active interfacing with both experimental and computational colleagues to assimilate research data and publish the results in journals and reports.

• Proven strong technical and interpersonal communication and language skills both orally and in writing, as evidenced by publications and technical presentations at inter(national) venues.

• Must be highly self-motivated to drive forward the research independently with their own creative ideas, in addition to direction from the mentor's research priorities.

• Demonstrated creative and proactive approach to scientific problem solving.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with various chemical software programs, electrochemistry, electronic absorption, chromatography, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, emission spectroscopies, IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies.

• Demonstrated experience with X-ray Crystallography, tube furnace operations, High Speed Counter Current Chromatography (HSCCC), and other separation techniques.

• Experience in organic synthetic chemistry, such as demonstrated experience with multi-step synthesis of ligands.

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.

Note to Applicant:

Please send a cover letter (guideline: 1 - 2 pages) addressing (point-by-point) how you meet all the minimum job requirements and as many of the desired skills listed when applying for the position.

A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required:

• Educational background; Degree dates; GPA with scale; Name of advisors.

• Work experience.

• Competitive honors and awards.

• Relevant extracurricular activities.

• Invited presentations (posters and invited talks); Grants; Patents; Peer-reviewed publications; non-peer-reviewed publications.

• Names and complete contact information for 4 references. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

Evaluation of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications with a cover letter and C.V. will be considered.

For additional technical inquiries, contact Dr. Jaqueline L. Kiplinger (kiplinger@lanl.gov).

Candidates may be considered for Seaborg or Director's Postdoctoral Fellowships. Outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious J. Robert Oppenheimer, Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

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 $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://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 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. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

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