What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to assist us in research exploring the infrared and optical spectroscopy and excited state dynamics of cryogenically cooled gas phase ions and ion complexes. The successful candidate will gain expertise in both mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy. A custom-built multi-stage mass spectrometer outfitted with a cryogenically cooled ion trap will be used to interrogate the ions with pulsed tunable lasers operating from 16 microns in the infrared to the deep ultraviolet. Using these powerful tools, the researcher will explore, at a fundamental level, how atomic ions used in current ion-trap quantum computing experiments are affected by binding inside molecular cavities. Other projects will focus on electronic energy transfer, charge transfer, and hydrogen-bonded networks.

On any given day, you will:

• Collaborate with researchers to extend the capabilities of the ion spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Use laser spectroscopy methods to acquire infrared and optical photofragment spectra of single conformations of ions held in a cryogenically cooled trap at 5 K.
• Analyze spectra and compare the results to the predictions of calculations using our state-of-the-art computational facilities.
• Advance the larger goals of the project, proposing innovative solutions and new directions.

The postdoctoral research associate will collaborate with a multi-investigator team, present results at national/international meetings, and publish research in high-profile peer-reviewed journals.

About Our Team

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 capabilities in gas-phase chemical physics. 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 complex chemical reactions that occur either directly in the gas phase or influenced by it. Research areas include chemical dynamics and spectroscopy, advanced diagnostics, ultrafast physics and chemistry, chemical kinetics, multi-phase chemical physics, high-pressure combustion, and gas-surface interactions.

Position Information

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.

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible schedules, generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers.  Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

EEO

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.

Qualifications We Require

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, or a closely related field
• Significant experience in laser spectroscopy, chemical dynamics, and/or mass spectrometry in the gas phase.
• Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with vacuum chambers, cold traps, and electronics.
• Experience with electronic structure calculations on ground and excited states.
• Ability to address complex problems creatively, and to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other researchers.
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, PGOPHER software environments

Security Clearance

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.

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.