Postdoctoral Appointee – Chemical Dynamics, Onsite

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A Postdoctoral Appointee position is available at Sandia National Laboratories in fundamental studies of electron driven chemistry, chemical dynamics, and imaging of gas-phase chemically reacting systems.

On any given day you will:

• Conduct experimental research under the mentorship of Dr. Jonathan Frank and Dr. David Chandler. The primary area of research will focus on electron-molecule collisions. Electron-molecule collisions initiate and drive a vast array of chemical processes such as ionization, dissociative electron attachment, and vibrational excitation. These processes play an essential role in plasma chemistry for low temperature chemical synthesis, vapor deposition, and recycling of hydrocarbon products.
• Research involving laser-based imaging of key reactive species to provide fundamental insights into chemical reactions in plasmas and heterogeneous catalysis.

The goal of this research is to understand the basic chemistry and energy transfer dynamics associated with these processes. Molecular and electron beam techniques combined with Velocity Mapped Ion Imaging are widely used in the laboratory to study collision induced dissociation of molecules, rotational energy transfer of electronically excited state molecules, unimolecular dissociation dynamics, and bimolecular reactions. In addition, development of new multiplexed, time-resolved, optical- and imaging diagnostic techniques will be encouraged.

The postdoc will be expected to present results at national and international conferences and to publish in high-profile peer-reviewed journals.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in chemistry, physics or closely related field
• experience with gas-phase laser diagnostics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at scientific conferences

• Strong analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a research team
• Experience with laser spectroscopy, molecular beam scattering, electron beams and electron manipulation, velocity mapped imaging, ultra-cold plasmas, and computer programming.
• Ability to address complex problems creatively, and to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers.

The Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department is part of Sandia’s Combustion Research Facility (CRF) in Livermore, California, where over 100 scientists, engineers, and technologists conduct basic and applied research to improve our nation’s ability to use and control chemical processes efficiently and cleanly. Under the principal sponsorship of the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department conducts fundamental experimental, theoretical, and modeling research to develop a foundational understanding of the key chemical processes that underlie the complex mechanisms of chemical transformations. Research areas include chemical dynamics, ultrafast chemical physics, theoretical and experimental chemical kinetics, and gas-phase and particulate diagnostics development and deployment.

This posting will be open for Application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia’s discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.