Automation Materials Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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.

We are seeking Postdoctoral Researchers to conduct research in the automated, high-throughput monitoring and mitigation of metal degradation. You will develop and automate a high-throughput platform, integrating multi-modal electrochemical and spectroscopic methods, to evaluate degradation mechanisms across metals and chemical environments. You will work closely with chemists, materials scientists, electrical and mechanical engineers, and automation specialists to develop integrated experimental systems for high-throughput materials screening and degradation monitoring. These positions are in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security group within the Materials for Emerging Applications and Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

You will

• Develop automated, high-throughput platforms and workflows for degradation monitoring and materials evaluation.

• Design and execute electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and complementary analytical experiments to characterize metal degradation, corrosion, and related electrochemical processes.

• Develop ex situ and operando measurement protocols to investigate the effects of chemical environments and reactive species on metal degradation mechanisms.

• Collaborate with engineers to integrate electrochemical, Raman, fluid-handling, robotic, and data-acquisition systems.

• Define system requirements, testing workflows, and interfaces for newly developed automated platforms.

• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.

• Maintain laboratory protocols, equipment, and best safety practices.

• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Corrosion Science, or a related field.

• Experience with programming for data analysis, instrument control, automation, or visualization.

• Experience integrating laboratory instruments, sensors, robotics, fluidics, or automated sample-handling systems.

• Experience with electrochemical characterization of metals, coatings, polymers, or related materials.

• Knowledge of metal degradation, corrosion mechanisms, electrochemical aging, or materials durability.

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.

• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience designing, formulating, synthesizing, and characterizing polymer coatings and other protective materials for metals.
• Experience with operando or in situ characterization methods, including Raman spectroscopy, for chemical and structural materials characterization.
• Experience with statistical analysis, design of experiments, machine learning, or predictive modeling.
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, 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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

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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