Job Description

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time. : Sandia demonstrates its commitment to public safety in the national interest by requiring that all new hires be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before commencing employment. The requirement also applies to those who are telecommuting and working virtually. Any concerns about the ability to meet this requirement should be directed to HR Solutions at (505) 284-4700. : Our team is seeking a hardworking postdoctoral appointee to support the synthesis, processing, and fabrication of composites materials. The position will entail synthesis of new precursors (or the use of existing precursors) and evaluating their conversion into nanoparticles. The precursor/nanoparticle will be entrained into new composite structures (i.e., nanocomposites, fiber reinforced composites). This position will support a broad range of Sandia missions and materials that have industrial applications. The job will require a range of functions, including general lab maintenance, laboratory operations, chemistry, material synthesis, processing, fabrications, characterization of the subsequent products, and related safety documentation preparation and review to maintain a safe and productive research chemistry/materials laboratory.On any given day, you may be called on to: + Development and characterization of organic, inorganic, and composites, materials using benchtop, hood, and air-less (Molds, Schlenk line, and glovebox) processes + Synthesis and characterization of subsequent materials (bulk, meso, and nano) from tailored and commercial precursors + Evaluating material functionality, life, and performance in response to extreme environments + Operation, maintenance, and theory of numerous analytical tools for chemical and material characterization (PXRD, SCXRD, FTIR, NMR (multinuclear), Raman, TGA/DSC, SEM, mechanical, and other necessary analytical instrumentation + Coordinating with other SNL and university research teams for additional characterization, + Setting up and monitoring chemical reactions for nanomaterial (solvothermal and solution precipitation routes), thin film (spin-, drop-coating), and bulk powders + Maintaining laboratory operations, including equipment servicing and repair + Collaborating with key technical staff to accomplish project goals + Interacting with and supporting numerous students, scientists and engineers engaged in materials research, troubleshooting, and failure analysis

Required:
+ Possess, or are pursuing, a PhD in chemistry, physics, material science, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field and have a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) + Experience working in a safe, functional, laboratory environment, + Experience in synthesis, processing, and fabrication of materials as well as material characterization + A track record of productivity in research as evidenced by reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences + Able to acquire a DOE Q-level security clearance

Desired:
+ Experience working collaboratively in team settings, + Experience with pressure systems (pressurized gas delivery, regulation, safety), + Effective interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, + Proven track record of prioritizing tasks to enable work on multiple projects simultaneously, + Ability and desire to work independently + Outstanding work habits, self-motivation and a detailed approach + Interest in learning more about coordination chemistry of periodic table + Strong dedication to customer satisfaction, quality, safety, collaboration, and teamwork, + Ability to work productively within multi-disciplinary teams comprised of a diverse set of backgrounds including students, postdocs, scientists and business professionals

Department Description:

The Advanced Materials Laboratory conducts research and development in a wide range of novel materials and composites development using various chemistries and materials and processing techniques to advance scientific understanding and provide practical solutions to the needs of a wide variety of Sandia customers and external entities. Specifically, activities in our research groups include synthesizing new precursors (organic and inorganic) and surface functional groups (organic ligands), understanding/processing these precursors to materials (nano-scale particles, thin film, and bulk materials), fabrication and develop of nanocomposites/fiber reinforced composite. Research and development includes: synthesis of compounds of alkali, alkaline earth, transition, main group, lanthanide, and actinide organometallic and metalorganic precursors, organic chemistry, processing into different forms (bulk, meso-, nanoscale), conversion into nanoparticles, development complex composites, rein filtration of composites to achieve densification and particle incorporation, vacuum bagging and mold process of composites, evaluation pressure and temperature effect of curing, pyrolysis, and sintering of composites. We also have expertise in understanding the rheology of metal-particle “inks” and ceramic slurries, investigating new catalyst materials and conducting mechanistic studies of catalysis, and investigating the self-assembly of nanoparticles in 2- and 3-dimensions as well as development of marine energy materials. Our processing R&D includes; providing a direct write capability that can deliver metal nanoparticle inks to topographically challenging substrates, electrospinning of fibers of vastly different compositions, and combining different materials and processing strategies to realize solar energy conversion and metalorganic vapor deposition (MOCVD). Our customers include all of Sandia’s mission areas and numerous external collaborators. Our laboratory facilities are located at the Advanced Materials Laboratory, a leased facility on the campus of the University of New Mexico. This geographical advantage allows us to work closely with students and faculty at local high schools, community colleges and University of New Mexico, as well as other universities located throughout the United States. Our team is committed to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives in accordance with the changing makeup of the workforce. In support of this vision, our center actively recruits applicants from diverse groups of backgrounds and fosters an inclusive community. Join us and work towards your goals while making a difference!

About Sandia:

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:• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide• Extraordinary co-workers• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance* World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. 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. Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO Statement:

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. : This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment. Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance. Job ID: 679782

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.