ICP-MS Technologist / Research Technologist 1-2

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

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or high-deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) with matching contributions

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

Los Alamos National Security LLC is seeking a Research Technologist to support operations in stable and radioisotope measurements. This role involves working with advanced mass spectrometry equipment and collaborating on multiple projects, requiring a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience.

Qualified candidates should be able to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and possess the ability to obtain Q clearance for working with classified materials. The position offers extensive benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in inorganic mass spectrometry analysis using ICP-MS or related instrumentation.
• Experience preparing samples for isotopic analysis.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Support operational and R&D efforts in stable and radioisotope measurements.
• Operate and maintain mass spectrometers.
• Collaborate with team members across multiple projects.
• Prepare reports and engage with stakeholders.

Skills

Inorganic mass spectrometry analysis

Sample preparation for isotopic analysis

Laboratory equipment troubleshooting

Effective communication skills

Ability to obtain Q clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

ICP-MS platforms

Job description

What You Will Do

The successful candidate will support operational and R&D efforts in the areas of stable and radioisotope measurements. Responsibilities include independent sample preparation, instrument operation, and data reduction. The candidate will operate quadrupole, high‑resolution, and multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP‑MS). The role also involves maintenance and repair of instruments and interaction with vendors and service technicians. The technologist will collaborate with team members across multiple projects supporting nuclear forensics, safeguards, treaty monitoring, and weapons programs. This position will be filled at either the Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities at the higher level may include report preparation, method development, and opportunities to engage with sponsors and colleagues outside of the laboratory.

Salary Range

Research Technologist 1: $85,900 – $139,900

Research Technologist 2: $94,500 – $154,600

Minimum Job Requirements

Research Technologist 1

• Demonstrated experience in inorganic mass spectrometry analysis using ICP‑MS or related instrumentation (TIMS, AMS, SIMS)
• Experience preparing samples for isotopic analysis
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment
• Experience performing mass spectrometry data collection and quality control evaluation
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative, dynamic research environment
• 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 (Technologist 1)

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Higher level (Technologist 2)

Position requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

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

Work Location

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

Clearance

Position will be cleared to Q clearance. 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. Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship except in very limited circumstances.

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 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.