Lab Analyst - 12hr Shift

About the role

The Chemet Lab Analysts perform various duties necessary in carrying out the testing and analytical functions of the Lab, including but not limited to training, directing and overseeing the work of others when needed. They frequently work without direct technical supervision and are responsible for a wide variety of Lab operations including: sample analyses, instrument calibrations, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance support, mathematical calculations, data management and record keeping, reagent preparation, supply inventories, and housekeeping and safety.

Responsibilities

• Determine the isotopic content of uranium by wet chemical preparation techniques and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS).
• Determine the total uranium content of selected process solutions as well as the concentrations of trace elemental impurities in uranium materials using ICPMS techniques and equipment.
• Set up, operate and troubleshoot vacuum equipment and associated gas analyzer systems used for determining the volatile contents of fuel pellets and the pressure/composition of the atmosphere inside fuel rods.
• Determine various element concentrations in uranium oxide and metal samples using Horiba analyzers or other analytical devices.
• Perform a wide variety of determinations using several different analytical techniques to assure compliance with regulatory standards regarding employee safety and environmental protection.
• Perform precision grinding, polishing, etching and staining techniques to produce test sample surface finishes representative of the true microstructures of materials.
• Evaluate the microstructural characteristics such as degree of carbide precipitation or intergranular attack, grain-size, inclusion content, porosity, hydride orientation, material bonding, eutectics, etc.
• Perform tensile, bend and compression tests on various materials and alloys.
• Operate and maintain laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Develop and maintain LIMS modules, debug and troubleshoot system processes, and ensure data integrity and compliance with laboratory quality standards.
• Manage user accounts and access control, coordinate LIMS updates and patches, create or modify SQL queries for data extraction and optimization, and provide technical support and training to laboratory personnel.
• Operate laboratory mechanical equipment common to sub-specialty area such as centrifuge, vacuum pump, oven, gas regulator valves and waste sump pumps or cut off machines, drill press, grinders and metrology tools.
• Use proper precision laboratory techniques such as pipetting, titrating, analytical weighing, making quantitative transfers, and preparing volumetric dilutions.
• Prepare reagents and standards using appropriate laboratory techniques and knowledge of proper reference material storage requirements.
• Keep the laboratory facility neat and orderly in accordance with good housekeeping practices and participate in regular facility inspections.
• Participate in method development, capability studies, reviewing and revising procedures, training and overseeing other analysts, etc.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in chemistry or a physical science is required.
• A minimum of eighteen (18) months of laboratory work experience, or equivalent experience outside an academic institution, is required. The experience must include responsibilities involving mechanical and electronic equipment troubleshooting, as well as demonstrated ability to correctly interpret and utilize instrument manuals, equipment drawings, and diagnostic procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with and strong knowledge in at least three of the following areas is required: ICP mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, liquid or gas chromatography, metallurgy, metallography, and/or ceramography, environmental tests, LIMS programming.
• Ability to work 12hr Shift (7am-7pm).
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be able to pass a Nuclear Safety Training Test.
• Must be able to safely handle hazardous chemicals and equipment.
• Must be able to use computers.
• Must be willing to take a drug test as part of the selection process.
• Must be willing to submit to a background investigation as part of the selection process.
• Must be willing to complete a written assessment of knowledge as part of the selection process.
• The Lab Analyst job functions require duties that are routinely performed within radioactive material-controlled areas.
• Ability to lift weights up to 45 pounds to shoulder level is required.
• Must pass applicable quality control vision (Ishihara) test requirements.