What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites outstanding candidates for a theoretical scientist in the Quantum Materials Systems (QMS) thrust. CINT is a national user facility funded by the DOE Office of Science to provide research capabilities in nanoscience to a worldwide community of users. Scientific thrusts in CINT include: Nanophotonics and Optical Nanomaterials; Quantum Materials Systems; Soft, Biological and Composite Nanomaterials; and In-Situ Characterization and Nanomechanics. Additional information on the user facility is available at https://cint.lanl.gov.
The successful candidate will perform scientific research both independently and collaboratively with CINT users, in areas related to the QMS thrust's research themes, such as exploring interactions between quantum systems and the environment, discovering emergent phenomena in quantum materials, theoretical modeling of novel quantum states, and transport and dynamics of quantum materials systems.
The selected candidate will be expected to develop collaborative relationships with CINT users, contribute to the strategic direction of CINT, and actively partner with experimental teams at CINT and LANL. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to interact with sponsors to develop and contribute to other fundamental and applied research programs.
The scientist position will be supported at 50% by the CINT program, and the other 50% will come from other theoretical research programs. The successful candidate will reside in the Theoretical division.
The successful candidate must have a strong background in condensed matter theory and/or materials physics simulations. Expertise in machine learning and related methods aimed for materials science are desirable.
Scientist 2 $94,100 - $155,700
The successful candidate will:
Carry out a vigorous program of scientific research and support CINT user science in the area of quantum materials science, in general.
Scientist 3 $113,100 - $190,900
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level successful candidates will be required to contribute substantially to setting the strategic directions for the QMS Thrust. Interact with a broad set of sponsors beyond BES who may benefit from CINT advances in areas ranging from national security to applied energy programs.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Experience performing high-impact research focused on theory work in the areas of quantum materials and systems
Record of scientific research achievements (publications, citations, presentations, intellectual properties) in the areas of quantum materials and systems
Experience developing theoretical capabilities for two or more among the three topics: 1) Novel states of quantum matter, 2) Transport properties at nanoscale, 3) Ultrafast optical response
Outstanding verbal and writing skills and a record of effective technical communication
Experience in the peer review of publications
Ph.D. in a relevant area of quantum materials and systems
Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Experience leading research as a principal investigator
Experience supervising technical support personnel and/or research group
Experience developing collaborative research projects
Recognized national reputation as evidenced by invited presentations and services on scientific societal committees at national level
Education/Experience at lower level: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Theoretical Condensed Matter or Materials Physics, Quantum Chemistry, or related discipline.
Education/Experience at higher level: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Theoretical Condensed Matter or Materials Physics, Quantum Chemistry, or related discipline and 5 years relevant work experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Demonstrated broad knowledge of experimental techniques in nanoscience
Experience performing theoretical investigations of various nano and quantum materials, such as topological insulators, semiconductors, transition metal oxides, two-dimensional materials
Experience of machine learning for materials science
Experience working with or at a national user facility
Experience mentoring students or postdocs
Experience with proposal writing
Familiarity with DOE-BES
The ability to obtain a DOE "Q" level clearance, which usually requires US citizenship
Location: This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, NM.
COVID Vaccine:
The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory employees, on-site contractors, and on-site subcontractors unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to those working on-site, those teleworking, and all new hires.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants: Applicants are requested to provide a cover letter, CV, and publication list with citations. Selected candidates for interview will be requested to provide research statement.
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.
Clearance: Q(Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.
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.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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 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 [email protected] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
Employment Status