Molten Salt Pyroprocessing and Electrodeposition Postdoc

What You Will Do

We are seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research position focused on molten salt pyroprocessing – a key technology enabling advanced materials development and nuclear fuel cycle innovation. The successful candidate will conduct experimental and analytical research to advance our understanding and application of molten salt systems for electrochemical separations, processing, and protective coating development. This position involves hands‑on laboratory work exploring molten salt chemistry, electrode position, and pyrochemical processing of materials relevant to nuclear reactor fuels, refractory metals, and protective coatings.

The selected candidate will help develop new methods and materials for high‑temperature electrochemical operations and contribute to the design and optimization of scalable pyroprocessing systems. The successful candidate will be joining an experienced team of chemists and materials scientists within LANL's Chemistry Division.

• Sound academic training in alkali or alkaline earth chloride or fluoride molten salt chemistry and electrochemistry
• Hands‑on experience with molten salts in a laboratory setting; experience with potentiometry, amperometry, and materials characterization techniques (e.g. scanning electron microscopy, x‑ray diffraction, profilometry, etc.)
• Experience in glovebox operations and inert environments
• Experience with high temperature furnace operations
• Willingness to work with radioactive materials (e.g. thorium, uranium, plutonium)
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research
• Strong technical and interpersonal communication and language skills both orally and in writing, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed research papers or conference presentations
• Creative and proactive approach to scientific problem solving
• Proven ability to meet research deliverables and deadlines
• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary research team

PhD in materials science, metallurgy, chemistry or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed. Must be completed before hiring.

• Experience with molten salt systems and pyroprocessing techniques
• Experience with molten salt electrode position methods and techniques (e.g., electrode position, metalliding, or surface modification)
• Experience with other coating techniques (e.g., CVD, PVD, or aqueous electrode position), methodology, and characterization (e.g., adhesion, porosity, thickness)
• Experience in one or more additional discipline(s): analytical chemistry, materials science, spectroscopy, microscopy.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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)

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