Nanomaterials Chemist Technical Specialist (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical

Dental and vision insurance

Paid maternity and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is seeking a Technical Specialist to support nanomaterials synthesis, assembly and integration operations. You will oversee daily nanochemistry lab activities, maintain a suite of synthesis and characterization tools, and help implement safe operation practices.

The role involves collaborating with center staff, students and postdocs, contributing to new facility capabilities and science initiatives, and presenting research findings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 4+ years related experience; post-doctoral work or equivalent may apply.
• Expert level experience with inorganic, organometallic, organic or nanomaterials chemistry.
• Strong air-sensitive handling and synthesis method development skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with initiative.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with center staff, students and postdocs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of a nanochemistry and nanomaterials synthesis laboratory.
• Maintain and operate synthesis, integration and characterization tools (e.g., reactors, microfluidics, dip-pen lithography, thin-film tools).
• Support nano-synthesis, assembly and integration needs of science users in collaboration with center staff and trainees.
• Contribute to maintenance and development of new facility capabilities and research initiatives.
• Present research findings through written and oral presentations.

Skills

Inorganic chemistry

Air-sensitive synthesis

Nanomaterials chemistry

Independent work

Team collaboration

Synthesis method development

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

4+ years related experience

PhD in chemistry (preferred)

Tools

Automated reactor systems

Microfluidics reactor

Dip-pen nanolithography

Thin-film fabrication

Spectroscopy/Microscopy instruments

Job description

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites outstanding candidates for a Technical Specialist position to support a broad range of activities associated with nanomaterials synthesis, assembly and integration operations. CINT is a national user facility funded by the DOE Office of Science to provide research capabilities in nanoscale science to a worldwide community of users. Scientific thrusts at CINT include: Nanophotonics and Optical Nanomaterials; Quantum Materials Systems; Soft, Biological and Composite Nanomaterials; and In-Situ Characterization and Nanomechanics. Additional information on the user facility is available at https://cint.lanl.gov.

The successful candidate will (a) oversee the day-to-day operations of a nanochemistry and nanomaterials synthesis laboratory, learning and maintaining a suite of synthesis, integration and characterization tools (e.g., automated reactor system, microfluidics reactor system, dip-pen nanolithography system, thin-film fabrication tools, particle-size analyzers, optical spectroscopy/microscopy instruments), and supporting implementation of safe operation practices, (b) address nano-synthesis, assembly and/or integration needs of science users for advanced nanomaterials samples in collaboration with center staff, students and postdocs, and (c) contribute to the maintenance and development of new facility capabilities and science initiatives. The successful candidate will do this work in collaboration with center staff, and postdoctoral and student researchers. They will be expected to contribute to written and oral presentations of research and will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of new research initiatives.

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated expert level experience with inorganic, organometallic, organic or nanomaterials chemistry
• Strong background in chemical synthesis method development and air-sensitive handling techniques
• Proven ability to work independently with initiative
• Proven ability to provide day-to-day technical support while maintaining progress on long term tasks
• Proven ability to work productively on multiple projects as demonstrated by meeting deadlines, goals and requirements
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team

Education/Experience: Positions requires a Bachelor' 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

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background in a range of chemical and materials characterization techniques, e.g., S/TEM, XRD, AFM, NMR, FTIR, static and time-resolved spectroscopy
• Experience in nanolithography techniques, including scanning probe and other non-traditional methods
• Experience in advanced nanointegration, nanoassembly, and/or nanocomposite formation techniques
• Experience in 3D printing
• Experience in device fabrication and testing
• Basic programming skills or AI/ML
• A strong publication record
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship
• Ph.D. in inorganic, organometallic, organic or (nano)materials chemistry or equivalent combination of degree and years of experience; degree in materials science may be considered responsive to this posting depending upon nature of research experience.

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.

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. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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 drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

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.