What You Will Do
The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a highly motivated scientist to lead efforts in physical vapor deposition (PVD) within the In-Situ Characterization and Nanomechanics (ICNM) Thrust. CINT is a DOE Office of Science user facility that supports groundbreaking nanoscience research. With four core thrusts-Nanophotonics and Optical Nanomaterials, Quantum Materials Systems, Soft/Biological/Composite Nanomaterials, and ICNM-CINT combines synthesis, characterization, and theory to support a global user base.
This position centers on operating, maintaining, and advancing PVD systems-including magnetron sputtering and electron beam evaporation-for thin film synthesis and nanomaterials fabrication. The selected candidate will develop and optimize deposition processes, fabricate heterostructures and multilayers, and support projects in emerging areas such as microelectronics and quantum information science.
Key responsibilities include:
Conducting collaborative fundamental research related to PVD and related sciences.
Leading PVD lab operations with an emphasis on safety and reliability.
Training and supporting users in thin film deposition techniques.
Collaborating across CINT thrusts to develop integrated synthesis-characterization workflows.
Exploring innovations such as in-situ monitoring, AI/ML deposition control, and combinatorial methods.
This role also supports independent research in advanced thin film synthesis. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, scientific independence, and a collaborative mindset to CINT's interdisciplinary environment.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Scientist 2 ($104,100 - $172,200)
Hands-on experience with PVD techniques (e.g., sputtering, e-beam or thermal evaporation).
Proven research record in thin film synthesis or thin-film nanotechnology.
Experience operating, maintaining, and optimizing PVD systems.
Effective communication skills and strong team collaboration.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance (which requires U.S. citizenship).
Education/Experience : Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications :
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience training and supporting users in a shared facility.
Strong publication and citation record; national/international recognition in thin film materials.
Expertise in advanced thin film growth, process development, and nanofabrication.
Experience integrating deposition with characterization tools (e.g., SEM, XRD, TEM, optical methods).
Experience with in in-situ or AI-enhanced deposition control.
Experience maintaining robust documentation, training, and user support.
Experience with data management and process automation in lab environments.
Demonstrated experience leading instrumentation upgrades and contributing to strategic capability development.
Note to Applicants : For full consideration, please submit a detailed cover letter and CV (with publications) addressing how you meet the minimum job requirements and relevant desired skills.
For further technical information or questions, please contact the ICNM Thrust leadership Dr. Nan Li (nanli@lanl.gov) and Dr. Michael Pettes (pettesmt@lanl.gov).
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.
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.
Position Commitment : Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
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 childbirth and parental leave
Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (PTO 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. 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility Requirements : To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
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.
Regular Position : Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants : Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
