Automation Materials Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking Postdoctoral Researchers to conduct research in the automated, high-throughput monitoring and mitigation of metal degradation. You will develop and automate a high-throughput platform, integrating multi-modal electrochemical and spectroscopic methods, to evaluate degradation mechanisms across metals and chemical environments. You will work closely with chemists, materials scientists, electrical and mechanical engineers, and automation specialists to develop integrated experimental systems for high-throughput materials screening and degradation monitoring. These positions are in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security group within the Materials for Emerging Applications and Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Corrosion Science, or a related field.
• Experience with programming for data analysis, instrument control, automation, or visualization.
• Experience integrating laboratory instruments, sensors, robotics, fluidics, or automated sample-handling systems.
• Experience with electrochemical characterization of metals, coatings, polymers, or related materials.
• Knowledge of metal degradation, corrosion mechanisms, electrochemical aging, or materials durability.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing, formulating, synthesizing, and characterizing polymer coatings and other protective materials for metals.
• Experience with operando or in situ characterization methods, including Raman spectroscopy, for chemical and structural materials characterization.
• Experience with statistical analysis, design of experiments, machine learning, or predictive modeling.
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated, high-throughput platforms and workflows for degradation monitoring and materials evaluation.
• Design and execute electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and complementary analytical experiments to characterize metal degradation, corrosion, and related electrochemical processes.
• Develop ex situ and operando measurement protocols to investigate the effects of chemical environments and reactive species on metal degradation mechanisms.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate electrochemical, Raman, fluid-handling, robotic, and data-acquisition systems.
• Define system requirements, testing workflows, and interfaces for newly developed automated platforms.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Maintain laboratory protocols, equipment, and best safety practices.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree