The extreme chemistry (X-chem) and materials science group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announces an opening for postdoctoral candidates with experience in experimental physical chemistry and/or
solid-state physics. Our primary focus is to apply ultrafast laser diagnostics to elucidate chemical and physical phenomena occurring at 10s of GPa pressure and 1000s Kelvin. For a description of our current group activities see:

https://www-pls.llnl.gov/data/docs/about_pls/scientific_staff/zaug/pls_c...

Posted Date:  10/09/2009 
Job Title:  Post-Dr Research Staff Member (220.0)
Job Term:  Post-Doctoral 
Salary Range:  Open 
Organization:  9853 Chemical Sciences 
Directorate:  Chemistry, Materials, Earth and Life Sciences 
NOTE: This is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. Eligible candidates are recent PhDs within five years of the month of the degree award at time of employment offer.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB
The Extreme Chemistry group (X-chem) within the Chemical Sciences Division of the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member in experimental physical chemistry and/or solid-state physics. The primary research thrust of X-chem involves laboratory experiments designed to understand chemical reactions under GPa pressures and/or at 10-3500 Kelvin. The aim is to interact with LLNL computational chemists toward developing comprehensive models that
accurately predict a myriad of combustion, energetic material, and propellant reaction processes. In addition the X-chem group studies radiochemical, electrochemical, and biochemical systems where unresolved grand challenge issues limit technological advances in energy use/storage and nonproliferation arenas. The selected candidate will report to the Group Leader for the Extreme Chemistry group.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Prepare samples and conduct laser or x-ray based measurements that are congruent with X-chem objectives.  Will process results with the goal of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and communicating research findings at national and international conferences and meetings.
- Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address X-Chem defined problems.
- Participate in collaborative efforts with other national laboratories and industry.
- Participate in external reviews of projects at the request of DOE.
- Understand and follow LLNL?s policies and regulations related to ES&H and Integrated Safety Management.
- Perform all assignments in accordance with ESH&Q, Security, and business practice requirements and policies.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Recent PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or related field.
- Experience using diamond anvil cell (DAC) technology.
- Experience with pulsed and ultrafast laser systems including data analysis/reduction, and interpretation of results.
- Demonstrated ability as an innovative experimentalist with experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
- Demonstrated quantitative analytical capability.
- Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated capabilities to author technical and scientific reports and publications and deliver scientific presentations.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work in a diverse multidisciplinary research team environment.
- Recent record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience with both PC and Macintosh-based computer systems.

MARGINAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Experience with DAC X-ray synchrotron experiments and data analysis.

To apply for this position the see:

https://jobs.llnl.gov/psc/jobs/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/s/WEBLIB_LL.VIEW_JOBS_LL.Fi...

For further details please contact:

Dr. Joseph Zaug (925-423-4428)
Dr. Jonathan Crowhurst (925-422-1945)
Dr. Michael Armstrong (925-423-5702)