Automation Materials Chemist Postdoctoral Researcher

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.

Qualifications :

• 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

$123048 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 employees 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-Hybrid

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  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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time