ICP-MS Technologist / Research Technologist 1-2

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,900 - 139,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid parental leave

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Research Technologist to support operational and R&D efforts in stable and radioisotope measurements, focusing on ICP-MS instruments. This role involves sample preparation, instrument operation, and collaboration on projects related to nuclear forensics and weapons programs.

The position offers a competitive salary, with additional responsibilities for higher-level roles, and requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field plus relevant experience.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, and comprehensive 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in inorganic mass spectrometry analysis using ICP-MS.
• Experience preparing samples for isotopic analysis.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
• Experience performing mass spectrometry data collection and quality control evaluation.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support operational and R&D efforts in stable and radioisotope measurements.
• Operate quadrupole and multicollector ICP-MS instruments.
• Collaborate with team members on projects in nuclear forensics and weapons programs.
• Report preparation and engagement with external sponsors.

Skills

Inorganic mass spectrometry analysis

Sample preparation

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Mass spectrometry data collection

Effective communication

Ability to obtain Q clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

ICP-MS

TIMS

AMS

SIMS

Job description

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will support operational and R&D efforts in the areas of stable and radioisotope measurements, including independent sample preparation, instrument operation, and data reduction. Responsibilities include operating quadrupole, high‑resolution, and multicollector ICP‑MS instruments; maintaining and repairing instruments; and interacting with vendors and service technicians. The technologist will collaborate with team members on projects supporting nuclear forensics, safeguards, treaty monitoring, and weapons programs.

This position will be filled at either the Technologist 1 or Technologist 2 level, depending on the candidate’s skills. Additional responsibilities at the higher level may include report preparation, method development, and engagement with sponsors and colleagues outside the laboratory.

Level and Salary

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

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

1. Demonstrated experience in inorganic mass spectrometry analysis using ICP‑MS or related instrumentation (TIMS, AMS, SIMS).
2. Experience preparing samples for isotopic analysis.
3. Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
4. Experience performing mass spectrometry data collection and quality control evaluation.
5. Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative, dynamic research environment.
6. Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2

• Demonstrated ability to reduce and interpret isotopic and elemental data from inorganic mass spectrometry methods and prepare reports or presentations for stakeholders.
• Experience developing analytical procedures.

Education and Experience

Lower level: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution plus 2 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Higher level: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution plus 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ICP‑MS platforms including Q‑ICP‑MS, SF‑ICP‑MS, and/or MC‑ICP‑MS.
• Experience with trace element or actinide analysis using inorganic mass spectrometry.
• Analytical chemistry experience.
• Experience working with radiological samples.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining instrumentation and working with vendors.

Essential Job Functions

Perform with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment and Location

Location: Los Alamos, NM. Work is onsite.

Benefits

• PPO or high‑deductible medical insurance with a nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Free basic life and disability insurance.
• Paid childbirth and parental leave.
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% match 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).

Clearance

Position will be cleared to Q level. Obtaining a Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in rare circumstances. Background investigation will be conducted; additional authorization may be required.

Legal and Compliance

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of certain countries who are not lawful permanent residents cannot access facilities supporting national security missions at LANL.

New‑Employment Drug Test

Applicants must complete a new‑employment drug test. Use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law; a positive test will result in termination.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories including race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.