Bioassay Research Technologist 1

About the Role

This position supports the in vitro Bioassay program, which monitors thousands of LANL workers for exposures to radioactive materials. The program ensures worker health and safety while enabling LANL to deliver scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs. The selected candidate will work in the Trace Analytical Chemistry Team of the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR).

Responsibilities

• Perform separation chemistry on biological matrices (actinides from urine) following established procedures.
• Conduct research and development to improve existing procedures and contribute to new methods.
• Maintain Quality Assurance/Quality Control documentation and records.
• Order, stock, and prepare reagents; clean labware.
• Perform data entry and review.
• Work with non-routine, exercise, and R&D samples.

The selected candidate should have advanced knowledge of Bioassay chemical separation methods and be comfortable working independently and collaboratively with limited direct supervision.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with laboratory work in chemistry or a related discipline (e.g., healthcare, geochemistry, or biology).
• Proven ability to work in a chemistry laboratory setting with corrosive and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and work in a chemical hood for extended periods.
• Demonstrated experience documenting work and strong communication skills.
• Experience with radiochemical and biological sample preparation methods.
• Ability to work independently with initiative and complete assignments with minimal direction.
• Experience ensuring work meets quality specifications.
• Experience developing new techniques, troubleshooting analytical methods, and maintaining research documentation.
• Experience developing work control documents and SOPs.

Qualifications

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience ordering and stocking labware, chemicals, and other materials for routine laboratory tasks.
• Use of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software for sample tracking.
• Experience verifying performance of material and testing equipment (e.g., balance, weight set, pipet, refractometer, pH meter).

Essential Job Functions

• Working alone.
• Occasionally working overtime or irregular schedules.
• Domestic/foreign travel.
• Operation of motor vehicles.
• Work near electrical power supplies, sources of ionizing radiation, and sources of non-ionizing radiation.
• Work near machinery with moving parts.
• Handling toxic chemicals, irritant chemicals, and fumes.
• Use of safety glasses, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, and hoods.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and work in a chemical hood for extended periods.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position located in Los Alamos, NM. Work locations are at the discretion of management. Regular appointment employees must serve a continuous service period of 1 year in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. Selected applicants will undergo a background investigation. Dual citizens may face additional restrictions. Eligibility for clearance is determined by the Federal Government.

The Laboratory maintains a substance abuse policy, including random drug testing. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination, even if use was pre-offer.

Where You Will Work

The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR) supports operational missions and R&D in bioassay, nuclear forensics, nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, treaty monitoring, and weapons programs. The group conducts basic research in radiochemistry, radiometric measurements, materials characterization, mass spectrometry, nuclear chemistry and physics, spectroscopy, and actinide chemistry.

C-NR addresses mission needs for sponsors including the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, and LANL institutional support. The group has capabilities for handling and characterizing radiological materials across a range of radioactivity levels.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science for national security, located in northern New Mexico.

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 (for those outside a 50-mile radius).