Materials Science under Radiation Extremes Postdocs

What You Will Do MST-8 is seeking postdoctoral candidates for three research positions focusing on (1) nuclear energy structural materials primarily fuel cladding; (2) radiation effects in electronic materials and devices focusing on low-dimensional systems; and (3) fundamental radiation science research focusing on developing novel in-situ defects characterization techniques such as ion channeling, electron microscopy, or positron annihilation spectroscopy etc. The selected candidates will explore defect evolution and microstructural changes due to irradiation, evaluate material and system design and performance under radiation extremes occurring in fission/fusion reactors and space applications. Research will support the U.S. interest in both current and next generation nuclear reactors, fusion devices, and radiation hard electronics for space exploration. MST-8 supports a variety of nuclear energy (NE) related programs and provides world-leading, innovative, and agile materials and technology solutions for national security missions. MST-8 also hosts a multiuser ion irradiation facility - ion beam materials laboratory (IBML), to support fundamental and applied research on radiation damage in structural materials as well as radiation effects in microelectronic materials and devices. More specifically, the structural materials position will support NE programs including Fuel Cycle Research & Development. The selected candidate will play a key role in determining the connection between microstructure and property measurements of relevant nuclear reactor relevant materials. The microelectronic materials position will focus on supporting crosscutting research activities within CHIME Center, a DOE microelectronics research center, involving multiple research institutions on studying quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, perovskites, diamonds and related devices. The radiation science position will focus on enhancing our existing or developing new in-situ defects characterization capabilities coupled to IBML's accelerator/implanter beamlines to advance our understanding of defects evolution in diverse material systems. All positions will be expected to collaborate with scientists in different groups/divisions internally at LANL and be part of the radiation science materials community externally through presentations at conferences and writing peer reviewed publications. Requires a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, and/or another related technical discipline. What You Need Minimum Job Requirements: Experience with microstructural characterization with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Demonstrated experience in interpreting and integrating data using a processing-structure-properties perspective. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in microelectronics materials, devices fabrication and testing with hands-on expertise on measuring electronic and/or optoelectronic properties, as well as evaluating failure mechanisms of devices under irradiation extremes. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in ion accelerator operations, ion irradiation/implantation, and ion beam analysis techniques. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge on positron beamline development and positron annihilation spectroscopy data acquisition and analysis. Demonstrated dependability and ability to work effectively, conscientiously, and professionally both independently and in a team environment. Demonstrated commitment to technical and scientific excellence as well as timeliness of deliverables. Demonstrated record of successful documentation of technical work and the ability to express ideas clearly in oral and written formats. Ability to work effectively in a small team. Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related fields completed within the last five years or soon to be completed. Desired Qualifications: Experience in defect characteriz…

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