Scientist 1/2

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with 6% matching

Tuition assistance

Paid time off and holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Scientist 1 or 2 to perform analytical chemistry of Pu-238 fuel materials and support related operations at PF-4. The role involves hands-on glovebox work, radiochemical separations, and data reduction within a small team.

Qualifications include a STEM degree with 2+ years (Scientist 1) or 4+ years (Scientist 2) of related experience, strong communication, and eligibility for a Q clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for clearance.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment with standards compliance.
• Ability to handle confidential or proprietary information.
• Strong written and oral communication, including briefings or publications.
• Interpersonal skills across all personnel levels.
• Eligibility to obtain a Q clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on glovebox work including sample preparation, chemical analysis, and instrument operation.
• Contribute mainly to Pu-238 program while cross‑trained on Pu-239 operations as needed.
• Apply chemical dissolutions, radiochemical separations, and spectrometry sample preparation.
• Assist in standard preparation, data reduction, calculations, interpretation, and reporting.
• Write procedures, troubleshoot instruments, and improve analytical methods.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Glovebox operations

Data reduction

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

2+ years related experience (Scientist 1)

4+ years related experience (Scientist 2)

Tools

LIMS

FRAM

DC Arc spectrometry

UV-Vis spectrophotometry

Alpha/Gamma spectrometry

Job description

Overview

What You Will Do

Position open for external candidates only.

The C-AAC Heat Source Plutonium Analytical Chemistry Team at facility PF-4 (Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility) requires a Scientist 1 or 2 to perform analytical chemistry of Pu-238 fuel materials and support related operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on glovebox work including sample preparation, chemical analysis, and instrument operation.
• Contribute mainly to the heat source Pu (Pu-238) program while being cross‑trained on Pu-239 operations as needed.
• Apply skill sets in chemical dissolutions, radiochemical separations, alpha and gamma spectrometry sample preparation, counting, FRAM, DC Arc spectrometry, UV‑VIS spectrophotometry, and complex data reduction.
• Assist in standard preparation, batch runs, data reduction, calculations, interpretation, and reporting.
• Write procedures, troubleshoot instruments, and improve analytical methods for 238PuO2 fuel materials.
• Use LIMS for data quality assurance, data review, and documentation.
• Hold qualification as a fissile material handler (FMH) worker.
• Work independently and as part of a small team, coordinating deliverables and communicating with line management.
• Maintain functional analytical operations and provide regular updates to management.
• Manage time effectively and resolve conflicting demands with group management.
• Provide mentorship and motivation to peers.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience executing work in a manufacturing environment and complying with facility, engineering, and maintenance standards.
• Handling confidential or proprietary classified information.
• Strong written and oral communication, including internal and external interactions, seminars, briefings, presentations, or publications.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to interact across all personnel levels.
• Eligibility to obtain a Q clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Additional Requirements for Scientist 2

• Develop and execute chemical techniques to achieve program‑relevant goals.
• Understand scientific principles for chemical characterization of actinides.
• Develop, implement, or improve analytical methods.
• Work independently and exercise scientific judgment.

Education & Experience

• Scientist 1: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field plus 2 years related experience.
• Scientist 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field plus 4 years related experience, typically post‑doctoral research or equivalent.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical and/or radiochemistry.
• Experience working in a nuclear facility with Pu‑238, Pu‑239, or U‑235.
• Experience in multidisciplinary teams of technicians, engineers, generators, and professional staff.
• Experience in facility‑compliant work and integrated Work Management solutions.
• DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

Work Environment and Benefits

• Onsite in Los Alamos, NM; location at the discretion of management.
• Benefits: PPO or high deductible medical insurance; dental and vision insurance; basic life and disability insurance; paid childcare and parental leave; 401(k) with 6% matching; tuition assistance; paid time off and holidays; onsite gyms; relocation packages for moves beyond 50 miles.
• Work performed in open front hoods and gloveboxes; requires protective clothing, full face respirator, and qualified FMH worker.

Clearance and Eligibility

Q clearance required. Background investigation performed by the Federal Government. U.S. citizenship required for clearance. Certain foreign nationals are ineligible per national security regulations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer. Employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is committed to accessibility for individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail] or [phone].