Actinide Analytical Scientist - Plutonium & Materials

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 104,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry team. You will perform analytical measurements on actinide materials, lead method development and QA/QC enhancements, and deliver timely, defensible results for national security missions.

The role requires strong analytical chemistry expertise, ability to work independently, and collaboration with operations staff, engineers and customers.

Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, actinide chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, or related disciplines acquired through education and/or experience.
• Experience performing quantitative chemical analyses and interpreting analytical data.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving analytical methods.
• Experience with uncertainty evaluation, data quality assessment, and technical reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise scientific judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a highly regulated nuclear facility environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine, unsupervised measurements and data evaluations associated with PA/IC team activities.
• Contributes to improvement of the QA/QC posture of the PA/IC task area through development of analytical methods with continuous improvement to both accuracy and precision.
• Contributes to the technical basis and QA/QC of analytical measurements supporting nuclear material operations.
• Independently executes analytical work while contributing to larger team objectives and customer deliverables.
• Identifies and implements process improvements that enhance measurement quality, efficiency, and turnaround time.
• Mentors technicians and junior staff in PA/IC analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory operations.
• Maintains technical expertise in analytical chemistry and actinide characterization methods.
• Communicates technical results effectively to customers, collaborators, and line management.
• Works effectively in a collaborative team environment with changing priorities.
• Effective communications both oral and written with various collaborating teams.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Actinide chemistry

Radiochemistry

Nuclear chemistry

Data interpretation

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Job description

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry team. You will perform analytical measurements on actinide materials, lead method development and QA/QC enhancements, and deliver timely, defensible results for national security missions.

The role requires strong analytical chemistry expertise, ability to work independently, and collaboration with operations staff, engineers and customers.