Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Technologist 1

About the Role

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group within Chemistry Division is seeking a Technologist 1 to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry (PA/IC) team. This position supports the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction. The successful applicant will perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, including plutonium, uranium, and associated process materials.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample preparation, general wet chemistry, bulk dissolutions, and solution aliquoting.
• Conduct chemical separations, analytical method implementation and development, data analysis, technical reporting, and troubleshooting of analytical processes.
• Operate instruments for actinide analyses, including electrochemistry, titrimetry, ion chromatography, and UV-VIS (UV-Visible Spectrophotometry).
• Perform routine maintenance activities such as glove changes, bag outs, and other tasks to maintain analytical chemistry functionality in nuclear facilities.
• Prepare reagents and perform general lab tasks, including extensive sample preparation and dissolution of actinide materials.
• Follow approved written procedures and guidelines, and complete/maintain extensive radiological laboratory training requirements.
• Work in a team environment and collaborate with operations personnel, technicians, scientists, and customers to provide timely and defensible analytical results.
• Work with radioactive materials in gloveboxes within a nuclear facility, requiring specialized training and qualification to handle Special Nuclear Material (plutonium and uranium).
• Implement and adhere to QA/QC methods and protocols, and maintain/improve work execution in collaboration with the team.
• Understand and adhere to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance specific to the work and work area.
• Protect and maintain sensitive or classified information related to national security objectives.

Requirements

• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory setting with corrosive and hazardous chemicals.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office products.
• Good communication skills.
• Experience working in a team environment and in a highly regulated work environment.
• Experience using various personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirator work.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Requires a High School Diploma (or equivalent, e.g., GED) per DOE 426.2a.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in a nuclear facility.
• Experience performing plutonium assay measurement and/or analytical characterization of actinide materials.
• Experience with wet chemistry analytical techniques including titrimetric, gravimetric, spectroscopic, chromatographic, or radiochemical methods.
• Experience working with plutonium, uranium, americium, or other radioactive materials.
• Familiarity with nuclear material accountability measurements and associated quality requirements.
• Experience understanding and following QA/QC principles in an analytical chemistry production environment (ASTM, ISO, etc.).
• Knowledge of DOE Conduct of Operations and safety/security requirements for nuclear/radiological facilities.
• Active Q clearance or DOE Human Reliability Program approval.

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 hz).
• Standing, bending, and climbing stairs.
• Use of both hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Lifting 20-30 pounds.

Work Environment

Work takes place in gloveboxes and hoods and may require special PPE and respirators for certain activities. The work location is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. This position may require extended hours, including shift work, and employees may be eligible for shift differential pay.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service (1 year for this position) in their current role to be eligible to apply for other posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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).

Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required.

Note: Citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation who are not Lawful Permanent Residents are prohibited from accessing facilities supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities.