Analytical Scientist 2/3

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 104,100 - 172,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with matching

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a Scientist to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry team. This role involves analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, requiring a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and relevant experience. You'll perform sample preparation, manage quality assurance, and develop analytical methods.

This position is crucial for supporting laboratory missions, and the successful candidate will collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring quality and reliability in analyses while working onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of analytical chemistry and actinide chemistry.
• Experience developing and implementing analytical methods.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials.
• Mentor junior staff in analytical chemistry techniques.
• Communicate technical results to customers and collaborators.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Communication skills

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

Wet chemistry techniques

Radiochemical methods

Job description

What You Will Do

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group within Chemistry Division is looking for a Scientist to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry (PA/IC) team. The successful applicant will perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, including plutonium, uranium and associated process materials. Responsibilities include sample preparation, general wet chemistry, bulk dissolutions and solution aliquoting, chemical separations, analytical method implementation and development, data analysis, uncertainty evaluation, technical reporting, and troubleshooting of analytical processes. The selected applicant will work closely with operations personnel, technicians, scientists and customers to provide timely and defensible analytical results in support of laboratory missions. The position requires application of scientific principles to solve analytical challenges, improve laboratory processes, and ensure the quality and reliability of analytical measurements performed on nuclear materials.

Scientist 2 – $104,100 – $172,200

• 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.

Scientist 3 – $125,200 – $211,300

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Scientist 2, at the Scientist 3 level:

• Serves as a technical lead and recognized subject matter expert in plutonium assay and/or interstitial chemistry measurements.
• Develops novel analytical approaches and technical solutions to address complex analytical challenges associated with actinide materials.
• Leads method development, validation, uncertainty analysis, and implementation activities. This also applies to process improvements of PA/IC team methods.
• Provides technical direction for troubleshooting analytical processes and resolving measurement anomalies.
• Influences technical strategy and execution for analytical chemistry activities supporting major laboratory programs.
• Develops technical standards, procedures, and best practices for analytical measurements.
• Contributes to peer‑review publications, technical reports, and programmatic deliverables.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts that improve analytical performance, measurement quality, and operational efficiency.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to follow procedures and perform work in accordance with Conduct of Operations, Quality Assurance, and Nuclear Safety requirements.

Additional Requirements for Higher Level Title

• Demonstrated understanding of principles of scientific integrity relating to actinide assays.

Education / Experience

Lower level 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.

Higher level requires a 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 of Science degree in engineering or a related science or technology, 2 years of job‑related experience, and 1 year of nuclear experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience performing plutonium assay measurement and/or analytical characterization of actinide materials.
• Experience with wet chemistry analytical techniques including titrimetric, gravimetric, spectroscopic, chromatographic, or radiochemical methods.
• Experience working with plutonium, uranium, americium or other radioactive materials.
• Familiarity with nuclear material accountability measurements and associated quality requirements.
• Experience understanding and following QA/QC principles in an analytical chemistry production environment (ASTM, ISO, etc.).
• Active DOE Q clearance.

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz); standing; bending; climbing stairs; use of both hands, arms, legs, and feet; lifting 20‑30 pounds.

Work Environment

Work near sources of ionizing radiation, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.

Work Location

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

Work Schedule

This position may require extended hours which could involve working a shift schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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.

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)

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 or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 505‑664‑6947.