Scientist 1/2

About the role

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. The C-AAC (Actinide Analytical Chemistry) Group within the Chemistry Division has a position available for a Scientist 1 or 2 in the Heat Source Plutonium Analytical Chemistry Team working in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4). PF-4 is an operational Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility.

Responsibilities

• Performing hands-on glovebox work including sample preparation, chemical analysis and instrument operation.
• Working primarily for the heat source Pu (Pu-238) program, but opportunities to cross-train in Pu-239 operations may be available.
• Knowledge and/or experience in chemical dissolutions, radiochemical separations, alpha and gamma spectrometry sample preparation and counting, FRAM, DC Arc spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, interstitial analysis of plutonium materials, and/or complex data reduction and analysis.
• Assisting in standard preparation, sample preparation and sample batch runs.
• Data reduction/calculations, interpretation, and reporting.
• Supporting and performing the chemical analysis of 238PuO2 fuel materials, as well as instrument troubleshooting, procedure writing, process troubleshooting and method improvement.
• Maintaining functional analytical operations and providing regular updates to line management.
• Managing time effectively to deal with changing priorities.
• Resolving conflicting demands through effective teamwork and mentoring.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of and experience performing work in a manufacturing environment and executing work in compliance with facility requirements, conduct of operations, conducts of engineering, and conduct of maintenance standards.
• Demonstrated experience working with confidential or proprietary information, classified documents or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills as evidenced by internal and/or external interactions, seminars, briefings, presentations, and/or publications.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, and ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship.

Qualifications

• For Scientist 1: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• For Scientist 2: Position requires a 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical and/or radiochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience working in a nuclear facility and or with special nuclear material including, but not limited to, Pu-238, Pu-239, and U-235.
• Demonstrated experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team of technicians, engineers, generators and professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience executing work in compliance with facility requirements.
• Thorough knowledgeable of Integrated Work Management (IWM) and integrated safety and security management (ISSM) procedures.
• Experience with nuclear high hazard facility operating requirements, safety authorization basis and/or Conduct of Operations planning and execution.

Education/Experience

• For Scientist 1: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• For 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.

Work Environment

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