Mass Spectrometry Scientist 2/3

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

About the role

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group within Chemistry Division is looking for a Scientist to join the Mass Spectrometry team. The position serves the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction. The successful applicant will participate in sample preparations, separations, and data analysis using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) instruments on actinide elements, specifically plutonium, uranium, and americium materials. The selected applicant will work on data reduction, reporting, troubleshooting, and procedure writing.

Due to on-the-job training (OJT) requirements, the selected applicant will complete required training to become a glovebox operator. Occasionally, the position will require applying scientific principles to address technical problems, develop novel techniques or principles, and analyze data or outcomes from theoretical or experimental research in the area of TIMS and ICPMS.

The Scientist 3 level will be recognized as a technical expert in actinide measurements using TIMS/ICPMS instrumentation. This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sample preparations, separations, and data analysis using TIMS and ICPMS instruments.
• Perform data reduction, reporting, troubleshooting, and procedure writing.
• Complete required training to become a glovebox operator.
• Apply scientific principles to address technical problems and develop novel techniques.
• Work on improving the QA/QC posture of the TIMS task area through development of analytical methods with better accuracy and precision.
• Operate TIMS/ICPMS multi-collector instruments unsupervised, supporting individual projects or contributing to larger team efforts.
• Make scientific judgments affecting project direction, often seeking feedback or receiving review.
• Develop new methods, techniques, or approaches for high-fidelity measurements of plutonium, uranium, and/or americium using multi-collector TIMS/ICPMS instrumentation.
• Communicate results through appropriate channels.
• Measure routine samples for various customers and improve analytical processes for faster turn-around of results.
• Mentor junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth, including students and/or post-docs.
• Train junior staff on operation of TIMS/ICPMS instruments and preparation/separation of actinide elements.
• Maintain state-of-the-art technical expertise within the mass spectrometry task area and develop new skills in related disciplines.
• Perform peer review within own organization/discipline.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing with various collaborating teams.
• Work in a team environment with collaborative methods and interfaces.
• Manage time effectively with changing priorities.

Scientist 3 Additional Responsibilities

• Develop technical approaches, using creativity in applying standard practices and procedures, and lead technical decisions.
• Evaluate instrumental data for uncertainty and interpretation of TIMS/ICPMS analytical data.
• Troubleshoot TIMS/ICPMS instruments based on data from traceable standards collected as part of routine measurements.
• Contribute to the development of journal papers and technical reports.
• Make decisions and/or recommendations influencing key programmatic objectives and contributing to the development of technical standards.
• Attain additional certifications, qualifications, and/or professional recognitions.
• Maintain, improve, and streamline work execution in collaboration with others on the team.

Requirements

• Significant knowledge of analytical chemistry and/or mass spectrometry techniques acquired through experience, certification, and/or formal education.
• Significant knowledge and experience in operation and/or troubleshooting of multi-collector instruments including TIMS and ICPMS for high-fidelity measurements and development of analytical techniques.
• Experience reviewing data collection, record keeping, and report generation.
• Demonstrated experience working independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical communications.
• Knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research in TIMS/ICPMS measurements and development projects.
• Knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ability and willingness to perform work in a rigorously controlled work environment utilizing principles of formality of operations and work authorization.
• Ability to follow procedures and guidelines in accordance with stringent quality assurance and quality control requirements.

Additional Requirements for Scientist 3

• Demonstrated understanding of principles of scientific integrity relating to mass spectrometric measurements documented in peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

Scientist 2

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Scientist 3

• Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

DOE Order 426.2A: Requires a Bachelor's of Science degree in engineering or a related science or technology, 2 years of job-related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge and experience with performing analytical work on less than milligram quantities of nuclear materials.
• Experience working in a clean-room environment and demonstrated experience of appropriate safe practices for mass spectrometry samples/standards.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research and development projects.
• Familiarity with working in a nuclear facility and performing activities with radioactive materials.
• Active DOE Q clearance (desired).

Pay

• Scientist 2: $104,100 - $172,200
• Scientist 3: $125,200 - $211,300

While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range. It is more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

Benefits

• 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).

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite 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. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Clearance: This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires U.S. 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.