Post-Master's Student in Earth Science

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Post-Master's Student to support experimental research on reaction and contaminant transport in subsurface environments. You will conduct laboratory experiments examining interactions among aqueous solutions, minerals, and geomaterials.

Work with a multidisciplinary team on energy, environmental, and national security applications, conducting measurements with ICP-MS/ICP-OES/XRF/XRD and documenting results onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a closely related field; strong experimental background.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly document scientific data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborative work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments on reaction and contaminant transport in subsurface environments.
• Prepare experiments and samples; monitor aqueous and solid-phase changes using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, XRD.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and document findings; collaborate with multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data analysis

Collaborative environment

Education

Master's degree in chemistry/geochemistry/environmental science/earth sciences

Tools

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

XRF

XRD

Job description

What You Will Do

The Analytical Earth Science Group (EES-15) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Post-Master's Student to support experimental research on reaction and contaminant transport in subsurface environments. The successful candidate will conduct laboratory experiments investigating interactions among aqueous solutions, minerals, and geomaterials. Responsibilities will include preparing experiments and samples; monitoring changes in aqueous and solid phases using techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD); analyzing and interpreting experimental data; and documenting results. The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of geochemists, analytical chemists, experimentalists, and computational scientists on research relevant to energy, environmental, and national security applications.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• A master's degree in chemistry, geochemistry, environmental science, geology, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments and following established procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly document scientific data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience preparing aqueous, geological, or environmental samples for chemical analysis.
• Familiarity with one or more relevant analytical techniques, including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, or XRD.
• Experience with scientific data analysis, visualization, and quality assurance/quality control.
• Interest in developing new experimental and analytical capabilities.

Education/Experience

Must have earned a Master's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field. Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

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.

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 Hi hl 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.

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.

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.