Postdoctoral Appointee - Neutron Generator Applied Science and Technology Maturation, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

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• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

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We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to prepare, characterize, and evaluate samples to understand how nanoscale assembly relates to macroscale adhesive strength. Systems of interest are focused on polymeric materials tethered to inorganic substrates using adhesion promoting self-assembled monolayers. This department is R&D oriented and maintains an extensive network of collaborators internal and external to SNL. This position will afford you the opportunity to demonstrate initiative in research activities that support your professional development.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of inorganic substrates with self-assembled monolayers through chemical vapor deposition
• Characterization of samples using a variety of surface analysis techniques including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)
• Conduct asymmetric double cantilever beam testing to assess adhesive strength using a load cell
• Additional material characterization techniques such as: thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) testing
• Analyze data to further understanding of how nanoscale organization leads to macroscale properties
• Documenting results in a laboratory notebook, writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed external publications, and presenting work at national conferences
• Basic lab and equipment maintenance and safety paperwork

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field conferred within five years prior to employment
• A strong track record of scientific and/or technical achievements through publication, as evidenced by peer-reviewed journals and external presentations at appropriate scientific conferences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance

• Demonstrated track record of initiating or leading small research projects or work packages, planning experiments, and delivering results with minimal supervision
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds across multiple organizations or institutions
• Experience contributing to multiple concurrent research programs or cross project collaborations
• Willingness to work under principal investigator (PI) mentorship and to mentor students or junior colleagues as appropriate
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and present results
• Advanced experience in self-assembled monolayer preparation and characterization
• Experience with adhesion testing
• Advanced materials characterization skills including: thermal analyses (TGA/DSC/DMA), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR and Raman spectroscopy, familiarity with glove boxes and vacuum chambers
• Publication record in high impact journals or multiple first-author papers is a plus
• Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and safe work practices
• Creative problem solving and effective time management skills

The mission of the Neutron Generator Applied Science and Technology Maturation Department is to conduct focused research towards the discovery, integration, and protection of the scientific knowledge behind the design, production, and sustainability of neutron generators. Our work uses computational modeling, materials science, chemistry, plasma science, high voltage & arc physics, advanced manufacturing methods, and neutron testing to support manufacturing and design. Along with our internal expertise, we also collaborate with a variety of internal organizations and external institutions to accomplish our goals. We apply this knowledge in creative and innovative ways for understanding the health of the existing stockpile, to design for the future, and to support national security. Research Areas within the Department include: properties of materials containing tritium, thin film structure of rare earth and transition metals/materials, surface and interface properties, gas-solid interaction, hydride formation and hydride thin film properties, encapsulation and mold release processes, plasma physics and modeling, and additive manufacturing investigations of metals and ceramics.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.