Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Senior Scientist (Scientist 4/ Scientist 5) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
MPA-11, Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group of Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a recognized leader in electrochemical energy devices for the position of Senior Scientist. The selected candidate will serve in a leading role toward development, execution, and expansion of the MPA-11 research portfolio in the field of electrochemical energy devices including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and CO2 conversion.
Work in MPA-11 spans several basic and applied research programs. Our research focus areas include fuel cells, ultrasonic and electrochemical-based sensors, actinide materials synthesis and separations, carbon capture, and nanomaterials synthesis/device integration. MPA-11 currently has approximately 150 employees, including scientists, technicians, postdoctoral associates and students, with a budget of $60M/year.
The Senior Scientist in MPA-11 will develop and execute multidisciplinary research to advance the state of electrocatalysis for electrochemical energy conversion devices. Aligned with the development and deployment of the clean energy transition, as outlined in DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technologies Office (HFTO) and Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) R&D plans and program priorities, as well as LANL science investment plans, the Senior Scientist will work with cognizant LANL and DOE program managers to strategize, develop and build new research directions. In addition, working with the multidisciplinary MPA-11 fuel cell team, the senior scientist will develop, lead and execute a robust research portfolio.
This position will be filled at the level of Scientist 4 or 5, dependent upon skills and qualifications. Higher job levels will have additional responsibilities as detailed below.
Scientist 4 ($146,800 - $254,700)
At this level, the Senior Scientist will be responsible for translating national needs to advance electrocatalysts and electrochemical devices into technological objectives for scientific research and development (R&D) in support of Laboratory missions, including developing novel electrocatalyst materials, device fabrication, materials evaluation and characterization, and analyzing data or outcomes from theoretical or experimental research.
Scientist 5 ($176,000 - $315,000)
In addition to the expectations delineated for the Scientist 4, at this level the Senior Scientist is expected to champion LANL electrocatalysis efforts across national and international boundaries.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Nationally or internationally recognized record of technical accomplishments and demonstrated professional experience in the field of electrochemistry particularly relevant to the development of advanced catalysts for electrochemistry applications including fuel cells, electrolyzers and/or CO2 conversion as evidenced by publications, citations, presentations, and other relevant metrics.
Demonstrated leadership experience required to build, coordinate, and promote teaming across organizational boundaries. Demonstrated experience in leading multi-organizational technical projects involving national laboratories, universities, and industry.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the entrepreneurial skills necessary to grow and cultivate a science-based program portfolio.
Demonstrated commitment to a safe and environmentally sound workplace
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Extensive record of technical publications and presentations including numerous invited and keynote presentations,
Demonstrated experience in mentoring students, postdocs, and junior staff scientists/engineers.
Education/Experience:
Scientist 4: Position requires a Ph.D. in relevant field from an accredited college or university and 10 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Scientist 5: Position requires a Ph.D. in relevant field from an accredited college or university and 13 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Extensive background in materials, chemicals, and catalysts synthesis..
Fundamental understanding of theoretical chemistry, including DFT and MD simulations
Extensive understanding of materials characterization, including surface analysis, chemical analysis, and structural analysis
Internationally recognized record of technical accomplishments
Note to Applicants:
Please send a cover letter addressing how you meet all of the minimum requirements when applying for the position. A current C.V. with the minimum following information/sections is also required: Educational background, degree dates; Work experience; Competitive honors; References. For additional technical inquiries, contact Rod Borup at borup@lanl.gov
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Where You Will Work
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 (PTO 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.
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.
Regular position : Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
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.
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, 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.