High-Temperature Materials Experiments and EPMA - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

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 Laboratory’s 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

$123,048 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 employee’s 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)
• Our values - visit

Security Clearance

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.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Organization: Physical and Life SciencesCategory: Postdoctoral/FellowshipEmployee Referral Bonus: Not applicableJob Code 1: PDS.1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicablePosition Type: Post DoctoralSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)