What You Will Do

We seek motivated candidates for postdoctoral research positions focused in applied magnetic resonance of quadrupolar nuclei. You will work with an interdisciplinary team that is developing a new capability for the non-invasive detection of synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl) using nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy. You will be able to work on high field solid state magnetic resonance systems to measure electric field gradient parameters; perform spectroscopic analyses to predict the NQR frequencies of new materials; and design, build, and test novel magnetic resonance hardware as we improve our NQR detectors.

Tens of thousands of Americans are dying each year from synthetic opioid overdoses. Raman spectroscopy and chemical strips are the main tools for detecting these materials at border crossings. However, they are unable to detect materials through opaque packaging. Our team has recently demonstrated the use of NQR to detect a synthetic opioid through such packaging. As a postdoc, you will help us determine the suitability of NQR to the broader class of synthetic opioids by pushing magnetic resonance of quadrupolar nuclei forward.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in magnetic resonance experiments (NMR, NQR, EPR, DNP).

• Excellent written and oral communication skills evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record.

Education/Experience: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or related field completed within the past five years, or will have completed all PhD requirements by commencement of appointment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with signal processing techniques and analysis of temporal and spectral data

• Experience running custom magnetic resonance equipment

• Computational simulations of electromagnetic fields

• Background knowledge in chemistry and in measurement techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance or nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography•

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Note to Applicants:

Position is available immediately. Ad will remain open until the position is filled. In addition to applying online, please send a CV, contact information for three references, a one-page statement of research interests, and a cover letter summarizing research and career goals to Michael Malone (mwmalone@lanl.gov) with "Opioid Detection Postdoc" as the subject line.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

• Dental and vision insurance

• Free basic life and disability insurance

• Paid maternity and parental leave

• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

• Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)

• Onsite gyms and wellness programs

• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3 .

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3 .