Postdoctoral Appointee - Complex Metal Alloys for Hydrogen Storage and Purification, Onsite

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:

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• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

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We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to probe hydrogen effects in compositionally complex metal alloys, with an emphasis on hydrogen storage and purification. This research aims to enable rational design of hydrogen-rich materials by changing the chemical composition and local atomic arrangements in crystalline or amorphous configurations. The focus is on understanding processes governing hydrogen interactions with materials, effects of interfaces, and mass and thermal transport. The project aims to develop metal alloys, metallic glasses and hydrogen getters derived from earth-abundant elements, guided by artificial intelligence, data science, theoretical modeling, and automated synthesis workflows to navigate the extensive compositional and microstructural diversity. This research is driven by the national need for durable, high-performance hydrogen separation storage materials and membranes capable of efficient and reliable operation under realistic industrial conditions, enabling cost-effective separation and purification of hydrogen and hydrogen isotopes using earth-abundant elements.

On any given day you may

• Perform high-throughput synthesis of metal alloys using additive manufacturing (AM) and automated arc-melting platforms
• Characterize metal alloy structure using in situ diffraction and spectroscopy methods, such as X-ray crystallography, neutron diffraction, and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis
• Perform Pressure-Composition-Temperature, hydrogen permeability, and long-term cycle life measurements of metal alloy performance
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, with experts in computational modeling, systems engineering, advanced characterization and artificial intelligence/data science
• Present results at relevant technical conferences
• Plot results and write drafts of manuscripts to be submitted to prominent chemistry/materials journals

For additional information, please visit https://www.sandia.gov/research/research-foundations/

• PhD in chemistry, metallurgy, materials science, or related field
• Expertise in synthesis of new materials and alloys and their chemical and structural characterization
• Experience with alloy synthesis, glove-box techniques, and characterization techniques (spectroscopy tools, X-ray and/or neutron diffraction, electron microscopy)

• Expertise in alloy synthesis techniques using arc melting, induction melting, or additive manufacturing
• Familiarity with advanced characterization techniques, such as neutron methods, Pair Distribution Function analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering, XPS, TEM, solid-state NMR
• Experience with materials-based hydrogen storage and separations
• Demonstrated record of high technical achievement and the ability to conduct creative, independent research
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or data science
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

The Energy Materials Physics Department at Sandia is a multidisciplinary research organization specializing in the synthesis and characterization of novel materials for energy and national security applications. Projects in the department's research portfolio seek to understand and engineer materials that enable advanced energy technologies by linking atomic-scale structure, defects, and interfaces to macroscopic transport and performance in extreme environments. It encompasses discovery and optimization of materials for hydrogen storage and separations, including metal hydrides, high-entropy alloys, porous media, and getter materials for hydrogen isotopes, as well as development of plasma-facing and containment materials for next-generation fusion and fission reactors. Researchers also study plasma-materials interactions and employ surface-sensitive techniques, including low energy ion scattering, to probe composition and structure in the outermost atomic layers, and use ion implantation to tailor near-surface chemistry and defect populations.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) 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.