Ceramics Materials Science - Staff Scientist

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.
We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory's mission.
Pay Range
$110,700.00 - $142,128.00 Annually for the SES.1 level
$132,810.00 - $170,556.00 Annually for the SES.2 level
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Staff Scientistto conduct a full range of general to moderately complex research in the areas of ceramics fabrication, additive manufacturing, and optical ceramics characterization. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research in ceramic scintillator and laser gain media fabrication and their implementation into systems. This position is in the Actinide and Lanthanide Science group in the Materials Science Division.
This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will

• Assist with developing methods for fabrication of improved transparent ceramic materials.
• Characterize materials via X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, densitometry, rheometry, elemental analysis, optical properties, and microscopy.
• Formulate, prepare, and process multi-component ceramic slurries for printing and casting into green bodies, followed by consolidation into ceramics.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals and provide solutions to problems with limited complexity.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research and project planning.
• Document research and provide results for presentation within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Operate, maintain, program and repair laboratory equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

• Participate in the conception and design of moderately complex to complex new experiments and execute research to address defined problems in optical materials.
• Design and perform complex materials characterization analyses.
• Prepare written analyses, present briefings, and other products that capture and communicate research results.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and practical experience with solid state chemistry, powder processing, sintering, ceramics fabrication and/or optical materials.
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and/or image processing.
• Experience identifying and recommending solutions to fundamental problems using initiative and creativity.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing as applicable to ceramics fabrication.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of technical and administrative staff.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level

• Conduct moderately complex to complex research related to phase diagrams of the solid-state chemistry of ceramics being fabricated.
• Proven creativity and a diverse range of experience in experimental design, execution, and maintenance.
• Broad experience in synthesis of inorganic powders and inorganic molecules.

Qualifications We Desire

• MS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience in use of additive manufacturing techniques.
• Experience in small molecule synthetic chemistry.
• Working proficiency with programming languages such as Python and MatLab.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITnv867DReU