Materials Science - Staff Scientist

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

We have an opening for a Staff Scientist to conduct a full range of general to moderately complex research in the areas of ceramics fabrication, additive manufacturing, and optical ceramics characterization. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in ceramic scintillator and laser gain media fabrication and their implementation into systems. This position is in the Actinide and Lanthanide Science group in the Materials Science Division.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will 

• Investigate fabrication of improved transparent ceramic materials.
• Characterize materials via X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, densitometry, load deflection, rheometry, elemental analysis, optical properties, and microscopy.
• Formulate, prepare, and process multi-component ceramic slurries for printing and casting into green bodies, followed by consolidation into ceramics.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals and provide solutions to problems with limited complexity.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Document research and provide results for presentations within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Operate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment including high temperature furnaces, high pressure equipment, and vacuum equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Participate in the conception and design of moderately complex to complex new experiments and execute research to address defined problems in optical materials.
• Design and perform advanced materials characterization analyses.
• Prepare written analyses, present briefings, and other products that capture and communicate research results.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• Fundamental knowledge and practical experience with solid state chemistry, powder processing, ceramics fabrication and optical materials.
• Experience in high temperature consolidation of ceramics using methods such as controlled atmosphere sintering, and hot pressing.
• Experience identifying and recommending solutions to fundamental problems using initiative and creativity.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication as reflected by effective presentations at seminars, meetings, and/or teaching lectures.
• Ability to work independently, and to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams as required to reach research goals.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Ability to conduct moderately complex to complex research related to phase diagrams of the solid-state chemistry relevant to the ceramics being fabricated.
• Demonstrated creativity and a diverse range of experience in experimental design, execution, and maintenance.
• Broad experience in synthesis of inorganic powders by various means, such as: flame synthesis, solid-state synthesis, precipitation, and combustion methods.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. 
• Experience in use of additive manufacturing techniques in ceramics fabrication.
• Knowledgeable of the concepts of solid-state chemistry including phase diagrams of inorganic solids and crystallography.
• Experience in the fabrication of melt-growth of crystals or fabrication of glasses.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.  Eligible candidates are those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site . 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2 (link is external) . 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form . 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .