What You Will Do

The Chemical Diagnostics and Engineering (C-CDE) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has two openings for students in the area of polymer science. The selected candidates will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting a broad range of physical and chemical characterization of polymer composites, membranes, adhesives, foams, as well as assisting with the chemical formulation of polymer resins and filaments for 3D printing (DIW, FFF).

The students will participate in one or more of the following areas:

• Development of polymer composites for additive manufacturing.
• Development of soft adhesives and foams.
• Use of various experimental techniques to characterize thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of soft materials.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge with the safe and proper handling of hazardous chemicals and hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry.
• Experience using laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation, particularly for chemical and physical analysis.
• Fluent in common software packages like Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must submit cover letter addressing how you meet the required/desired skills.

Education/Experience: A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or related field within 3 years or soon to be completed, with cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment and to plan/organize assignments so that deadlines are met on time.
• A broad background and interest in interdisciplinary science.
• Experience with polymeric materials and composites.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, DSC, TGA, DMA, microscopy, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and/or particle size analysis.
• Experience with data analysis - especially utilizing or writing programs in Python, R, or MATLAB

Essential Job Functions(can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, twisting the trunk or back, and balancing.

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

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

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.

No Clearance: 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.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.

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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.

Employment Status