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The MagLab is funded by the National Science Foundation and the State of Florida.

Postdoc in High Magnetic Field Condensed Matter Physics - LANL

Category and Level: Post doctoral Research Asscociate

Organization Name: MPA-MAGLAB/MPA-MAG LAB NHMFL GROUP

What You Will Do

The Pulsed Field Facility of the U.S. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (National MagLab) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral researchers that wish to advance their research career at the world's premier high magnetic field research facility. Research at the Pulsed Field Facility spans a range of modern condensed matter topics, utilizing cutting-edge experimental techniques with an emphasis on multiple extreme environments (high fields, low temperatures, high pressures and strains). The successful candidates for these positions will have a strong track record of experimental research and scientific communication. The current search has a particular emphasis on topologically non-trivial systems: including but not limited to magnetic topological insulators, Dirac and Weyl semimetals, spin ices, low carrier density topological semimetals in the extreme quantum limit, quantum anomalies, and the evolution of topological properties under in-situ strain and extreme magnetic fields. In collaboration with PFF mentors, candidates are expected to develop their own research projects that align with the ongoing research interests of the group. Beyond being part of the Center for the Advancement of Topological Semimetals, a DOE Energy Frontiers Research Center, candidates will have the opportunity to join the NSF-funded pulsed field user program, and LANL LDRD research teams. Exceptional candidates will be eligible to compete for distinguished Postdoctoral research fellowships funded through the LANL Director's postdoctoral program. LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The Pulsed Field Facility is located on the main LANL campus in Los Alamos, New Mexico. LANL is one of three MagLab partner institutions, along with the University of Florida (Gainesville), and Florida State University (Tallahassee). The MagLab is sponsored primarily by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Materials Research, with additional support from the State of Florida and the Department of Energy. LANL provides unique capabilities to the PFF for the MagLab in the form of a 1.4 GVA pulsed power system. In addition to the 100 Tesla Multi-Shot Pulsed Magnet and the 60 T Long Pulse Magnet, the MagLab features several capacitor-driven pulsed magnets and state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities for materials science research. The PFF supports a scientific user facility, develops magnet technology, and advances science and technology using high magnetic fields in support of the goals and objectives of the NSF and LANL. Further information on the MagLab, the PFF, and LANL is available at the following websites: nationalmaglab.org, nationalmaglab.org/user-facilities/pulsed-field-facility, and www.lanl.gov.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and experience interacting with personnel at all levels.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as evidenced by a track record of peer reviewed publications, oral scientific presentations, and application cover letter.
  • Demonstrated ability to work safely and productively with minimal supervision.

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely-related field earned within 5 years of the anticipated start date.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with high (and pulsed) magnetic fields, electrical transport techniques, topological material systems, in-situ strain tuning, and/or magneto-optical spectroscopy.
  • Experience designing and realizing custom instrumentation.
  • Experience utilizing advanced sample preparation and device fabrication tools such as Focused Ion Beam lithography.
  • Experience with Labview, Matlab, Mathematica, Python or other programming languages and platforms for data acquisition, analysis, calculations, and modeling.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Climbing stairs, walking, working flexible hours or irregular schedule, operation of motor vehicles, work near electrical power supplies.

Work Environment: Work in widely ranging ambient temperatures, operation of motor vehicles, work in a noisy environment, work near electrical power supplies, work near machinery with moving parts, cleaning chemicals, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, mask or respirator, hearing protection, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective foot gear.

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.

Note to Applicants:

Interested candidates should contact Johanna Palmstrom, Ross McDonald, Laurel Stritzinger, or Scott Crooker

for more information and to provide the following: A comprehensive CV including publication list, and a cover letter addressing the qualifications outlined above. Please list names and contact information of three possible references.

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. On the anniversary of these dates, salaries are automatically adjusted to the next higher level, e.g. PhD + 0: $92,000; PhD + 1: $94,000, etc. For more information go to Postdoc Program website.

To apply this job

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 (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.

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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1. Employment StatusFull Time

What is it like to work at the MagLab?

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From picnics to golfing groups, there's more to the MagLab than just research. Check out our Life at the Lab section to see what's happening.


Last modified on 13 January 2023