High-Temperature Materials Experiments and EPMA Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate material reactions and interface evolution through controlled high-temperature experiments and quantitative electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). You will design and conduct diffusion-couple phase-equilibrium reaction-zone and thermomechanical experiments including experiments using Gleeble systems as applicable. You will characterize compositional gradients phase formation interdiffusion segregation and reaction-zone evolution using EPMA and complementary materials-characterization methods. You will interpret experimental results using thermodynamics phase equilibria and kinetic principles and collaborate with researchers in materials characterization metallurgy computational modeling and data science. This position is in the MicroAnalytical Signatures Group within the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratorys Postdoctoral Research Program provides mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.

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

You will 

• Plan and execute high-temperature materials experiments using established and developing experimental methods.
• Design and conduct diffusion-couple thermomechanical and heat-treatment experiments including use of Gleeble systems furnaces or comparable equipment.
• Prepare characterize and analyze samples using quantitative EPMA including wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) compositional mapping and standards-based measurements.
• Collect analyze document and interpret experimental data related to composition processing conditions phases microstructure diffusion and interfacial reactions.
• Apply thermodynamic phase-equilibrium and kinetic principles to interpret material behavior and develop scientifically supported conclusions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of experimentalists computational modelers metallurgists and data scientists.
• Contribute to technical reports peer-reviewed publications presentations and research proposals.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and support safe secure and compliant laboratory operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Ph.D. in materials science or engineering metallurgy ceramic science geology geochemistry experimental petrology chemistry mineral physics applied physics or a related experimental scientific discipline.
• Experience with EPMA/WDS or related quantitative electron-beam microanalysis techniques.
• Experience designing and conducting high-temperature experiments.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics phase equilibria reaction kinetics diffusion or related materials-science principles.
• Ability to interpret relationships among composition processing conditions phases and microstructure.
• Record of independent research peer-reviewed publication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience operating Gleeble systems thermomechanical testing equipment controlled-atmosphere furnaces or similar high-temperature experimental systems.
• Experience with quantitative EPMA method development standards matrix corrections and compositional mapping.
• Experience with diffusion-couple phase-equilibrium reaction-zone or interface-evolution experiments.
• Experience with CALPHAD thermochemical modeling diffusion modeling or kinetic analysis.
• Experience with complementary characterization methods including SEM/EDS EBSD FIB-SEM XRD or TEM.
• Experience handling actinide radioactive air-sensitive or other controlled materials.

Pay Range

$123048 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 employees 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 or a maximum of two years for Sidney Fernbach Fellows open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time