Automation Materials Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

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 & Requirements

• 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.

Pay and benefits

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.

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!

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. 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.

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.