Organic Chemistry Postdoc

What You Will Do

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated organic chemist to synthesize N-containing heterocycles and elucidate their mechanisms of formation for applications in energetic materials, including propellants and explosives. This will involve the synthesis of known and novel compounds and characterization using a variety of physical and analytical techniques. The postdoctoral term is two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension and a start date between April and September 2024. Conversion to permanent staff member is possible upon successful completion of the appointment.

The selected applicant should be familiar with the analytical techniques infrared, 1H, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. Additionally, the applicant may be asked to perform isotopic labeling studies including the kinetic isotope effect. Collaboration with other experimental and theoretical chemists is expected. This work may lead to the potential for both publications in chemical journals as well as applications in projects with national security missions. Application reviews will begin the week of February 26th, 2024 and continue until this position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes:

(1) Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed below (maximum 2 pages)

(2) Current CV including publications (maximum 2 pages, excluding publications)

(3) Summary of your current and recent research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

Applicants should clearly address each of the following requirements in their cover letter

• Q clearance: The selected applicant will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, which requires U.S. citizenship

• Experience in organic chemistry including following literature procedures and analyzing materials via infrared, 1H, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, HPLC, and mass spectrometry

• A willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of energetic materials in a rigorous safety environment

• Effective oral and written communication skills

Education/Experience: Applicant must have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field. The selected applicant must have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment and be within five years of completion of the Ph.D.

Desired Qualifications

Applicants should clearly address each of the following qualifications in their cover letter

• Experience in novel organic synthesis

• Experience in elucidating chemical reaction mechanisms

• Experience with the safe handling of reactive materials

Note to Applicants

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes

(1) Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications (maximum 2 pages)

(2) Current CV including publications (maximum 2 pages, excluding publications)

(3) Summary of your current and recent research projects. Figures, tables, and schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

Work Location:

This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

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 ~~~ .

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 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, 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 ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.