Postdoctoral Appointee in Experimental Physical Chemistry

Sandia National Laboratories

Livermore, CA

Job posting number: #7135356 (Ref:688943)

Posted: March 20, 2023

Job Description

Posting Duration: 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. NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs: 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. What Your Job Will Be Like: We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow in the Gas-Phase Chemical Physics Department of the Sandia National Laboratories (Livermore/CA) to conduct fundamental studies of electron driven chemistry and chemical dynamics. The postdoc will conduct experimental research in two areas of study under the mentorship of Dr. David Chandler and Dr. Jonathan Frank. One area will focus on the mechanisms of electron charge separation leading to unimolecular chemistry. Another area will focus on electron-molecule collisions. Electron-molecule collisions initiate and drive a vast array of chemical processes such as ionization, dissociative electron attachment, and vibrational excitation. These processes play an essential role in plasma chemistry for low temperature chemical synthesis, vapor deposition, and recycling of hydrocarbon products. The goal of this research is to understand the basic chemistry and energy transfer dynamics associated with these processes. Molecular and electron beam techniques combined with Velocity Mapped Ion Imaging are widely used in the laboratory to study collision induced dissociation of molecules, rotational energy transfer of electronically excited state molecules, unimolecular dissociation dynamics, and biomolecular reactions. In addition, development of new multiplexed, time-resolved, optical- and imaging diagnostic techniques will be encouraged. The postdoc will be expected to present results at national and international conferences and to publish in high-profile peer-reviewed journals. Qualifications We Require: + PhD in physics, physical chemistry, or a closely related field + Substantial experience in laser spectroscopy Qualifications We Desire: + Strong analytical skills + Strong verbal and written communication skills + Ability to work effectively within a research team both independently and in collaboration with other researcher + A record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences + Experience with laser spectroscopy, molecular-beam scattering, electron beams and electron manipulation, velocity mapped imaging, ultra-cold plasmas, and computer programming + Ability to address complex problems creatively, and to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with other reseachers. 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 ability to use and control energy conversion processes efficiently and cleanly. Under the prinipal 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 key chemical processes that underlie the complex reactive environments.

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: 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. 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. Job ID: 688943

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


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