Actinide Materials Research Technologist

What You Will Do
The Nuclear Materials Science group (MST-16) is seeking a research technologist to help advance the scientific output of our materials properties team dedicated to plutonium and actinide research. This position is ideal for pursuing a non-academic career track with the opportunity to work in an area of materials science that is available at only a few places in the world. In this role, you will be supporting thermophysical properties measurements, including differential scanning calorimetry, dilatometry, density, x-ray diffraction, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. Additionally, you will be coordinating activities with staff from across the lab, training users, document management, running experiments, and data collection/analysis. If you are interested in working on exciting science while having a strong impact on national security, without the burdens of an academic lab, read on.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technologist 1 ($83,900 - $136,600)

 

• Support thermophysical properties measurements, including differential scanning calorimetry, dilatometry, density, x-ray diffraction, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy.
• Contribute to data analysis and interpretation.
• Hands-on sample preparation and shipping of actinide materials, including technique development for preparing difficult materials in gloveboxes and open-front hoods.
• Contribute to internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate to meet program objectives.
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills to manage daily laboratory operations and work with a multitude of people spanning various backgrounds.

Research Technologist 2 ($92,300 - $ 151,000)

 

• In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level
• Lead day-to-day operations of the properties measurement capabilities.
• Lead methods development efforts for properties measurements.
• Interact with program management to support ongoing facility funding.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
 

• Demonstrated experience with materials properties measurements, such calorimetry, dilatometry, density, and x-ray diffraction.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing samples for experimental investigations.
• Experience with data analysis software tools and standard office software such as e-mail, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, technical, and facility personnel.
• Experience maintaining compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
• Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship) and HRP certification.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:
In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will need:

 

• Experience with managing daily laboratory operations.
• Experience providing direction, guidance, and training to laboratory users in laboratory procedures.
• Ability to work independently.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in science or engineering from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in science or engineering from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

 

• Experience working in inert gloveboxes.
• Experience working with new internal and external users and collaborators.
• Experience with other material characterization techniques such as thermophysical properties.
• Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills and a full resume.

Work Environment: Work near sources of ionizing radiation, work with explosives, use of PPE including a full-face respirator.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
 

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.