Nuclear Materials and Molten Salt Technologist 1 - Research Technologist 1

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking candidates for a hands-on experimental role in molten salts, high-temperature materials, and nuclear materials research. You will participate in solid-state synthesis, experimental setup, data collection, and project execution under experienced staff, while ensuring safe, compliant operations within multiple lab spaces.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with molten salt systems and materials processing in non-aqueous environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.
• Experience in regulated lab environments with safety and radiological protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support project activities and ensure deliverables are met with principal investigators and staff.
• Coordinate materials preparation and synthesis for multiple projects.
• Serve as contact for laboratory operations across projects and programs.
• Respond to inquiries, investigate issues, and coordinate solutions with facility personnel.
• Ensure safety and security compliance and maintain safe operations.
• Foster an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Skills

Glovebox operation

Inert atmosphere

High-temp furnaces

Molten salt handling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SEM

TEM

EDS

FTIR

Job description

What You Will Do

The Inorganic Isotope Actinide Chemistry Group (C-IIAC) is seeking outstanding candidates to support hands-on experimental research, laboratory operations, and materials development activities in molten salt systems, nuclear materials, and related high-temperature chemical environments, with applications across multiple mission areas including advanced nuclear energy. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory efforts that include solid-state materials synthesis, experimental setup and planning, data collection and preliminary analysis, and general project execution under the direction of principal investigators and senior research staff. This role involves independently executing well-defined procedures and processing workflows while collaborating closely with principal investigators, senior research staff, and technical team members to support larger research projects grounded in the principles of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. The candidate will also serve as a point of contact for multiple laboratory spaces, helping ensure facilities and equipment are safely operated, maintained, and ready to support ongoing research activities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience working with gloveboxes and inert atmosphere environments
• Experience operating high-temperature furnaces and related equipment used for materials synthesis
• Experience with laboratory procedures for solid-state or high-temperature materials processing in non-aqueous environments
• Hands-on experience with molten salt systems, including salt preparation, purification, handling, and manipulation in a laboratory setting
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments with formal safety, radiological, or hazardous material protocols
• Willingness to work with radioactive materials (e.g., thorium, uranium, plutonium)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance
• Demonstrated ability to meet research deliverables and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with principal investigators and research staff to support project activities and ensure deliverables are met
• Coordinate materials preparation and synthesis activities supporting multiple research projects and experimental campaigns
• Serve as a point of contact for laboratory operations, coordinating with principal investigators and research staff across projects and programs
• Respond to technical and operational inquiries, investigate issues, and coordinate solutions with research staff and facility personnel
• Ensure safety and security compliance and maintain safe and secure laboratory operations
• Foster a mutually respectful and inclusive work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment

Education/Experience:

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.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with materials characterization techniques and associated instrumentation (SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR, BET, TGA, DSC, etc.)
• Experience with metal machining and prototyping using appropriate equipment
• Experience in one or more additional disciplines such as chemical engineering, materials science, or analytical chemistry

Work Environment

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 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)

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.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

Regular position:

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants:

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

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.