Processing Science of Rare Earth Metals and Alloys Postdoctoral Researcher

The Materials Science Division (MSD) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate high-temperature processing and reaction science of rare earth (REE) metals and alloys. Properties of interest include molten metal flow wetting and interactions with ceramic or metallic containment as well as metallothermic reaction pathways during alloying. Understanding reaction mechanisms intermediate phases kinetics and transport phenomena in metal-oxide systems will be a key part of the role.

You will design and execute controlled-atmosphere experiments develop specialized high-temperature equipment and combine thermal analysis diffraction microscopy and thermodynamic or kinetic interpretation to establish processing-structure-property relationships. The work includes collaborations involving computational fluid dynamics CALPHAD modeling and time-resolved synchrotron diffraction. The candidate will publish and present results to internal stakeholders as well as to the wider scientific community. This position is based in the Advanced Materials Process Science Group within the Materials Science Division and will support LLNL programmatic Laboratory Directed Research and Development and externally funded materials research.

You will

• Conduct research in high-temperature processing of rare earth metals with emphasis on containment compatibility and metallothermic reaction pathways.
• Design build operate and maintain controlled-atmosphere and high-temperature experimental equipment.
• Investigate wetting and interface reactions between molten metals and ceramic or metallic containment materials and characterize molten metal flow and ejection dynamics.
• Determine reaction mechanisms intermediate phase formation kinetics and transport behavior in metal-oxide and multiphase high-temperature systems.
• Prepare and characterize samples using relevant methods such as thermal analysis X-ray diffraction electron microscopy spectroscopy metallography and quantitative image analysis.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences seminars and technical meetings.
• Maintain rigorous safety documentation and compliance standards in all laboratory activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments involving high-temperature materials processing molten metals and molten metal flows reactive materials metal-oxide reactions ceramics or related systems.
• Knowledge of chemical thermodynamics phase equilibria reaction kinetics mass transport and/or interfacial phenomena in materials.
• Demonstrated track record with materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy thermal analysis surface/interface analysis or metallography.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated by scientific presentations and a record of peer-reviewed publication.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills necessary to work independently and in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: droplet science including LMJ & droplet printing; metallothermic reduction; extractive metallurgy; pyrometallurgy; REE processing; reactive casting; high-temperature corrosion.
• Experience designing high-temperature equipment or experiments involving furnaces induction heating thermal analysis vacuum systems gloveboxes or reactive-metal handling.
• Experience with liquid-metal wetting or contact-angle measurements ceramic processing protective coatings or analysis of interfacial reaction layers.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic modeling atomistic simulation methods or reaction-kinetics analysis.
• Experience with modelling or theory of interfacial phenomena particularly wetting interactions.

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-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

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• 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