Analytical Scientist 2/3

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Scientist in the Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group to perform analytical measurements on plutonium and related materials. This role supports national security missions and involves responsibilities like wet chemistry, data analysis, and maintaining technical expertise.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in analytical chemistry and a willingness to work independently in a regulated environment. A Bachelor's degree and relevant experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of analytical chemistry and related disciplines.
• Experience with quantitative chemical analyses and data interpretation.
• Ability to safely work in a regulated nuclear facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical measurements on actinide materials.
• Contribute to improvement of QA/QC in analytical methods.
• Mentor technicians in PA/IC analytical chemistry techniques.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Inorganic chemistry

Actinide chemistry

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Master's degree in a STEM field

Tools

Wet chemistry techniques

Analytical methods

Job description

Overview

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 position serves the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction. The successful applicant will perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, including plutonium, uranium and associated process materials. Responsibilities include sample preparation, 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.

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.

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

Education/Experience

Education/Experience at lower level: Positions 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.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position 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.

Higher Level Responsibilities

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

Other Requirements

• 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.

Work Details

• Work Location: onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
• Work Environment: Work near sources of ionizing radiation; use of PPE as required.
• Work Schedule: May require extended hours; shift differential pay may apply as assigned by manager.
• Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service; the position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Notes

Due to federal restrictions, certain nationalities are barred from accessing facilities that support the mission. This position requires a Q clearance and US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.