Physical Chemist, Explosives Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 several openings for a Physical Chemist, Explosives - Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in experimental materials science. You will actively participate in research to evaluate and quantify gas/vapor sorption and diffusion mechanisms in explosives/polymers and integrate experimental results to calibrate or constrain theoretical models. Research focus is on predicting material/vapor compatibility through gas-phase characterization (e.g., outgassing, sorption, permeability of volatile species) but may require deeper exploration into the connections between material structure/composition and sorption. This position is in the Energetic Materials group of the Materials Science Division.

In this role you will 

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on vapor/gas transport in explosives and polymers, supporting efforts to model and simulate explosive properties and responses under different environments and conditions
• Design and perform experiments on explosives and polymers using various advanced characterization tools (for example, gas-analysis, vapor sorption, permeability, surface analysis, and other techniques as needed to explore the connection between material structure and gas/vapor sorption and transport)
• Develop and/or constrain/calibrate kinetic and thermodynamic models
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals and present results within the DOE community and at conferences
• Interact and collaborate with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory. Write proposals to seek out new funding sources to advance new technical areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Proficiency in design and performance of experiments using one or more advanced quantitative experimental techniques
• Experience developing analytical models to describe experimental data
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Matlab, Python, Mathematica, Comsol, Labview, C/C++, R, etc.)
• Experience using scientific methods to investigate and resolve challenging chemical or materials science questions
• Willingness to routinely work with explosives and obtaining and maintaining required qualification as an Explosives Handler.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports on time
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Materials expertise in polymers, explosives, or organic composite
• Experience using advance data analysis techniques (e.g., chemometrics, machine learning, data science, etc.) applied to scientific data sets
• Expertise in gas analysis and/or gas/vapor sorption experimental methods.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2021 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

LLNL is a Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory.  Some positions will require a DOE L or Q clearance (please reference Security Clearance requirement above).  If you are selected and a clearance is required, 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.  An L or Q 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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 . 

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