Advanced Characterization Postdoc

About the Role

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental investigations of plastic deformation and deformation twinning in structural materials, with emphasis on quantifying and analyzing microstructural and twin networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead in situ and ex situ experimental campaigns to uncover how grain connectivity, twin nucleation, and evolving twin networks govern strain localization, hardening, and damage initiation.
• Focus on high-resolution microstructural characterization and mesoscale mechanical testing to explicitly map grains, grain boundaries, twins, and twin boundary networks during deformation.
• Establish quantitative, network-based descriptions of microstructure and twin connectivity and directly link these to measured local plastic response.
• Disseminate results in leading journals in materials science and mechanics.
• Collaborate closely with computational researchers developing crystal plasticity and network-based modeling frameworks, providing high-quality experimental datasets for validation and mechanistic interpretation.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Demonstrated expertise in experimental plasticity of metals.
• Strong knowledge of deformation twinning mechanisms and twin boundary physics.
• Expertise in EBSD analysis, including twin identification and grain boundary characterization.
• Experience with in-situ SEM mechanical testing and microstructural evolution studies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of metals deformation behavior and microstructure-property relationships.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals.
• Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to clearly articulate mechanistic insight.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience analyzing slip-twin interactions and twin network evolution.
• Experience with high-resolution strain mapping techniques (e.g., digital image correlation).
• Experience with 3D microstructure characterization or serial sectioning methods.
• Experience preparing metallographic samples for EBSD and in situ testing.
• A strong publication record demonstrating the ability to independently drive projects to high-impact outcomes.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary experimental-computational research teams.

Qualifications

• A PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering discipline completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

Work Location

• Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Clearance

• Q (Position will be cleared to this level).
• Requires US Citizenship for Q clearance, except in extremely rare circumstances.
• Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• 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).