Analytical Research Technologist 1

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking an external candidate for a position focused on analyzing properties of high explosive materials. Responsibilities include executing core techniques and developing new methodologies as part of the Fundamental Explosives Analysis & Research Team.

The candidate must have experience in wet-chemistry transformations, strong communication skills, and the ability to obtain a Q-clearance. A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic wet‑chemistry transformations.
• Experience with thermogravimetric techniques (DSC, TGA).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the properties of high explosive materials.
• Develop new methodologies and instrumentation.

Skills

Wet-chemistry transformations

Thermogravimetric techniques

Instrument troubleshooting

Knowledge of safe chemical standards

Fluency in Microsoft Office

Strong communication skills

Ability to obtain Q-clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. The successful candidate will work with the Fundamental Explosives Analysis & Research Team to execute a diverse mission of analyzing the properties of high explosive materials for groups across Los Alamos. Our team focuses on core techniques while periodically developing new methodologies and onboarding new instrumentation.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience with basic wet‑chemistry transformations, such as pH adjustment, filtering, weighing, and centrifugation using aqueous or nonaqueous solvents.
• Experience with thermogravimetric techniques (DSC, TGA).
• Experience with instrument troubleshooting, repair, and manufacturer interaction.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe chemical working standards.
• Fluency in common software packages including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Origin.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to obtain a Q‑clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with liquid chromatography techniques: LC‑MS and GPC/SEC.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

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 must serve a period of continuous service in their current position to be eligible for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. The position commitment for this role is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

• Please send a cover letter addressing how you meet all required and desired skills when applying.
• A current CV with educational background, degree dates, GPA, work experience, honors, publications, and references is required.
• Only complete applications with a cover letter and CV will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.
• For additional technical inquiries, contact Ben Davis ([e-mail]).

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a large nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) with 6% matching and 3.5% annual contribution.
• 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).

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. The position requires a Q clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship, except in extremely rare circumstances.

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 testing. Use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law; a positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.

Directive 206.2

Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is committed to making the workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations upon request.