About this role
Postdoctoral Appointee - Neutron Generator Applied Science and Technology Maturation, Onsite
Albuquerque, NM
Job ID: 699556 Apply Now
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 vacation, 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.
What Your Job Will Be Like:
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.
Qualifications We Require:
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
Qualifications We Desire:
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
About Our Team:
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 investiga