Polymer Synthesis, Characterization, and Processing Student

What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering (C-CDE) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has openings for students in the area of polymer and materials science. This assignment is expected to last for two years with the possibility of continuing beyond this time limit. The selected candidates will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a broad range of synthesis and characterization of polymer composites, membranes, adhesives, and foams. They will also assist with the formulation of polymer feedstocks for 3D printing (DIW, FFF, vat photopolymerization).

The students will participate in one or more of the following areas

• Synthesis and development of polymer composites for additive manufacturing,

• Development of soft adhesives, foams, and membranes using techniques such as electrospinning,

• Use of various experimental techniques to characterize thermal, mechanical, structural, and

• chemical properties of soft materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of the safe and proper handling of hazardous chemicals and hands-on

• experience in synthetic chemistry.

• Experience using laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.

• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Must submit cover letter addressing how you meet the required/desired skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and to plan/organize assignments so that deadlines are met on time.

• A broad background and interest in interdisciplinary science.

• Experience with polymeric materials and composites.

• Knowledge of and hands-on experience with additive manufacturing and/or electrospinning.

• Knowledge of and hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, microscopy (optical/SEM), thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, mechanical testing, profilometry, and/or particle size analysis.

Education/Experience: Post-baccalaureate candidates must have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or related field obtained within the past 3 years or soon to be completed, with cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Post-Master's applicants must have been awarded a master's degree in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or related filed within the past 3 years and must not yet have been accepted into another master's or PhD program.

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.

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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.

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 2 and then option 3.

How to Apply

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email ~~~ for assistance.