Processing Science of Rare Earth Metals and Alloys - Postdoctoral Researcher

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The Materials Science Division (MSD) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate high-temperature processing and reaction science of rare earth (REE) metals and alloys. Properties of interest include molten metal flow, wetting, and interactions with ceramic or metallic containment, as well as metallothermic reaction pathways during alloying. Understanding reaction mechanisms, intermediate phases, kinetics, and transport phenomena in metal-oxide systems will be a key part of the role.

You will design and execute controlled-atmosphere experiments, develop specialized high-temperature equipment, and combine thermal analysis, diffraction, microscopy, and thermodynamic or kinetic interpretation to establish processing-structure-property relationships. The work includes collaborations involving computational fluid dynamics, CALPHAD modeling, and time-resolved synchrotron diffraction. The candidate will publish and present results to internal stakeholders, as well as to the wider scientific community. This position is based in the Advanced Materials Process Science Group within the Materials Science Division and will support LLNL programmatic, Laboratory Directed Research and Development, and externally funded materials research.

You will

• Conduct research in high-temperature processing of rare earth metals, with emphasis on containment compatibility and metallothermic reaction pathways.
• Design, build, operate, and maintain controlled-atmosphere and high-temperature experimental equipment.
• Investigate wetting and interface reactions between molten metals and ceramic or metallic containment materials and characterize molten metal flow and ejection dynamics.
• Determine reaction mechanisms, intermediate phase formation, kinetics, and transport behavior in metal-oxide and multiphase high-temperature systems.
• Prepare and characterize samples using relevant methods such as thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, metallography, and quantitative image analysis.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Maintain rigorous safety, documentation, and compliance standards in all laboratory activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments involving high-temperature materials processing, molten metals and molten metal flows, reactive materials, metal-oxide reactions, ceramics, or related systems.
• Knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, phase equilibria, reaction kinetics, mass transport, and/or interfacial phenomena in materials.
• Demonstrated track record with materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal analysis, surface/interface analysis, or metallography.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, as demonstrated by scientific presentations and a record of peer-reviewed publication.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills necessary to work independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: droplet science, including LMJ & droplet printing; metallothermic reduction; extractive metallurgy; pyrometallurgy; REE processing; reactive casting; high-temperature corrosion.
• Experience designing high-temperature equipment or experiments involving furnaces, induction heating, thermal analysis, vacuum systems, gloveboxes, or reactive-metal handling.
• Experience with liquid-metal wetting or contact-angle measurements, ceramic processing, protective coatings, or analysis of interfacial reaction layers.
• Familiarity with thermodynamic modeling, atomistic simulation methods, or reaction-kinetics analysis.
• Experience with modelling or theory of interfacial phenomena, particularly wetting interactions.

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.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start 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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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.

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