Ultra-Trace-Level Radiochemist-Technologist 1/2

About the role

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Responsibilities

• Research Technologist 1:
  • Join a team of analytical radiochemists supporting national security efforts in nuclear treaty monitoring, safeguards/nonproliferation, and nuclear forensics by performing elemental purification of trace levels of actinides in a clean laboratory setting.
  • Purified actinides are prepared for analysis by high precision/high sensitivity isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
  • Duties will include rotations through labware preparation/cleaning, as well as sample preparation.
• Research Technologist 2:
  • In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the successful candidate will participate in data reduction and evaluation, report preparation, writing and maintaining standard operating procedures, method development for new and existing analytes with potential operation of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, and opportunities to present work to program sponsors or at conferences.

Requirements

• Minimum Job Requirements:
• Experience with ion exchange chromatography, extraction resin chromatography, coprecipitations, or other chemical separation techniques.
• Experience with isotope dilution techniques or radiochemical tracing techniques.
• Experience in a chemistry laboratory setting using common laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, and balances.
• Understanding of molarity, molality, pH, serial dilutions, and mass balance.
• Familiarity with QA/QC programs and required documentation.
• Ability to work independently with initiative.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office products (especially Excel).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with data reduction and data validation.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.

• Additional Job Requirements for Technologist 2 level:
• Demonstrated experience with report writing or technical manuscript preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to design an effective experiment.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
• Desired Qualifications: Master's degree in a STEM field preferred for the higher level job title.
• Preference given to candidates with mass spectrometry experience.
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment.
• Familiarity with database development/use.
• Demonstrated experience giving oral presentations preferred.
• Experience participating in Proficiency Testing or Inter-Laboratory Comparison Exercises.

Essential Job Functions

• Color discrimination.
• Depth perception.
• Reading vision.
• Ability to smell.
• Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping.
• Reaching overhead, horizontally, and down.
• Applying torque with hands or arms.
• Gripping with the hands.
• Typing or keyboarding.
• Fine motor control.
• Use of both hands and arms.
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Work Environment: Work in a noisy environment.
• Work near sources of ionizing radiation.
• Work with toxic or irritant chemicals.
• Fumes.
• Sprays, mists, or vapors.
• Safety glasses or eye protection.
• Face shield or facial protection.
• Gloves or hand protection.
• Hood use.
• Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM.

Pay

• Research Technologist 1: ($85,900 - $139,900)
• Research Technologist 2: ($94,500 - $154,600)

Schedule

• 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.
• If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader.

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).

Additional Details

• Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
• Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level).
• Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.
• New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Where You Will Work: Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.