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.

We are seeking a Chemist/Materials Scientist to join our efforts developing new organic-based radiation detection materials and understanding the use of organic materials in ionizing radiation environments. These activities will involve the design, synthesis, and analysis of fluorescent polymers, light-emitting organometallic compounds, and/or organic luminophores. They will also include the characterization of such materials, using techniques including NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, fluorimeter, UV-Vis, GPC, and analog/digital pulse analysis systems (e.g., oscilloscope, Nuclear Instrumentation Modules). The position will entail the written communication of experimental results in peer-reviewed manuscripts and project reports, generation of new research ideas relevant to national security applications, and the mentoring of students and postdocs.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Interact closely with an interdisciplinary team to understand and harness fundamental structure-property relationships of luminescent compounds.
• Synthesize candidate materials in the lab and assess their physical properties and performance.
• Characterize the structural and electronic properties of organic compounds and their effect upon the spectral/temporal radiation response.
• Present results at workshops, conferences, and meetings with sponsors.
• Identify new research ideas and directions, collaborating with colleagues to write research proposals.

The ND Materials and Rad Effects department is committed to attracting, retaining, and cultivating an outstanding workforce representing a broad group of people and perspectives. We share this common vision by encouraging mutual respect among staff, post-docs, and interns from a diverse set of backgrounds. This hardworking team works together to accomplish extraordinary results!

Required:

• Master’s plus 4 years of relevant experience in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• This position requires access to export-controlled information, therefore only U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees or refugees) are eligible for consideration

Desired:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a relevant field
• Proven experience related to the synthesis and photophysical characterization of organic and organometallic compounds
• Understanding how ionizing radiation interacts with organic and organometallic compounds
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
• Strong record of communicating research results at scientific conferences
• Demonstrated creativity in original research
• Proposal writing experience and a significant record of funding for independent research ideas
• Ability to work autonomously, while integrating effectively into a multidisciplinary team environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q-level security clearance

Department Description:

We are the ND Materials and Rad Effects team! We provide expertise in materials and radiation sciences to support Sandia’s missions in nuclear deterrence, proliferation detection and energy. We steward radiography capabilities and exercise them to image and analyze the structure of materials and components. We develop and characterize organic and inorganic materials used as scintillators in radiation detection technologies. We perform detailed modeling, simulation, and experiments to characterize and analyze the effects of ionizing radiation on materials and components used in our engineered systems. All of this is accomplished by bringing to bear our advanced capabilities and the team’s expertise in materials science, chemistry, physics, computation, and engineering.

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 work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)• 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.

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.

EEO Statement:

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.