Laser-Based Mass Spectrometry - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL$123K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DOE Q-level security clearance.
  • PhD in earth, chemical, or physical sciences relevant to RIMS applications.
  • Experience with RIMS, LA-ICP-MS, SIMS, or noble gas mass spectrometry, particularly in data reduction and analysis.
  • Skilled in operating, maintaining, designing, and constructing lab equipment.
  • Experience in isotope ratio analysis of natural and synthetic materials.
  • Willingness to handle radioactive materials safely and according to regulations.
  • Strong communication skills and proven ability to conduct independent research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement new isotopic and elemental analysis methods.
  • Propose applications for RIMS in diverse fields like laser spectroscopy and environmental chemistry.
  • Conduct experimental and routine analyses of various materials, reporting findings.
  • Collaborate on RIMS analysis and data interpretation for Earth sciences and nuclear applications.
  • Contribute to research planning and proposal development.
  • Publish findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.
  • Perform additional related tasks as needed.

Benefits

  • Full-time on-site presence required for collaboration and instrumentation operation.
  • Opportunity for involvement in cutting-edge research and technology development in mass spectrometry.
  • Access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) including commissioning a new RIMS instrument for nuclear forensics, cosmochemistry, and earth sciences. You will work with a group of geoscientists, radiochemists, and other scientists on method development, procedure optimization, sample analysis, and data interpretation aimed at understanding detection, analysis, and isotope systematics. You will participate in all phases of research from project development through implementation, data analysis and interpretation, and documentation and presentation of results. You will also collaborate with a larger group of researchers using a range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers (noble gas mass spectrometry, ICPMS) and microanalytical instruments (SIMS, EPMA) in related application areas. This position is in the Trace Isotope and Element Signatures Group within the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will
  • Develop and apply new methods of isotopic and elemental analysis.
  • Propose and develop new applications for RIMS; for example, laser spectroscopy, environmental chemistry, and isotope geology.
  • Conduct both experimental and routine analyses of a variety of natural and manufactured materials to demonstrate existing and new capabilities; communicate results in oral and written reports.
  • Collaborate with scientists and technical personnel to carry out RIMS analysis and data interpretation for Earth science, nuclear nonproliferation, and nuclear forensics applications.
  • Participate in development of research plans and proposals.
  • Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals.
  • Present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • PhD in a field of earth, chemical, or physical sciences having a close relationship to the technical capabilities and applications listed above.
  • Experience in one or more of the following: RIMS, LA-ICP-MS, SIMS, noble gas mass spectrometry. Including, demonstrated understanding of data reduction and analysis for these techniques, including integration of data streams from multiple instruments, such as noble gas and trace element data.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, design, and construct laboratory equipment.
  • Experience in isotope ratio analysis of a range of elements in a variety of natural and synthetic materials.
  • Willingness to work with radioactive and radiologically controlled materials in accordance with approved procedures, training requirements, and safety controls.
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills, and ability to develop and carry out independent research as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
  • A record of innovation in experimental design, techniques, and execution, and the ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Experience in uncertainty quantification for mass-spectrometric data using statistical and/or machine learning methods.
  • Experience with software development for hardware control, data acquisition, and data analysis in commonly used languages including Python, MATLAB, and/or Labview.
  • Expertise with ultra-high-vacuum system development, operations and maintenance.
  • Experience working with radioactive and radiologically controlled materials in accordance with approved procedures, training requirements, and safety controls.

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

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