Scientist (Scientist 3/4)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly skilled Scientist (Sci-3 or Sci-4) to lead research in areas related to national security. The candidate will foster collaboration across disciplines and secure funding to drive mission success.

We offer a dynamic environment with advanced opportunities in a multidisciplinary team focused on critical technical challenges.

This role requires strong analytical skills, project management expertise, and effective communication capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain Q and SCI clearances; U.S. citizenship required.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in technical research disciplines.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication of technical R&D results to stakeholders.
• Acquire funding through proposal development and project management.
• Mentor junior staff and foster professional development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical R&D

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's Degree in a STEM field

Job description

What You Will Do

The Intelligence and Systems Group (A‑2) provides the opportunity to collaborate with a team of analytical and technical experts in foreign threat reduction, counter‑weapons of mass destruction, counter‑terrorism, and foreign nuclear systems. Our staff focuses on a broad spectrum of nuclear and non‑nuclear system applications impacting U.S. national security. Working under the auspices of LANL Field Intelligence Element (FIE), you will lead scientific or technical research and development (R&D) to support the Laboratory’s mission.

Depending on your specific skill set, you may be involved in one or more of the following areas:

• Respond to threats and provide analytical and/or technical support.
• Research, analyze, and produce intelligence products regarding emerging disruptive technologies impacting U.S. national security.
• Research, analyze, and produce intelligence products characterizing nuclear‑related materials, nuclear security, and/or nonproliferation.
• Research, analyze, and provide analytical and/or technical support to nuclear and/or non‑nuclear systems for U.S. national security.

Opportunities for advanced analytical work to be published in journals or conference proceedings exist.

Possible Areas of Focus

• There are opportunities to work with a multidisciplinary team on nuclear topics such as weapon design, weaponization, testing, engineering, improvised devices, security, trafficking, materials, forensics, fuel cycle, weapon delivery, facilities and infrastructure, policy, proliferation, and strategic trade control.
• Technology topics include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technology, semiconductors and microelectronics, space technology, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, advanced communications, and other fields.

You will collaborate across LANL, DOE laboratories, the Intelligence Community, and government stakeholders, working with top scientists and intelligence professionals in feedback‑driven teams that prize creativity and rigorous analytical thinking.

Leadership and Funding

Drive mission growth by securing internal or external funding, leading proposal development efforts, and supporting analytical scope of work for yourself and/or your team. Mentor and lead junior staff, providing analytic direction and fostering professional development while maintaining tradecraft standards demanded by the Intelligence Community and the U.S. government.

Position Level

This position will be filled at the Scientist‑3 (Sci‑3) or Scientist‑4 (Sci‑4) level depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities are assigned at Sci‑4.

Scientist‑3 (Sci‑3) Responsibilities

• Lead communication of technical R&D results including publications, presentations, reports, intellectual property, and technical products.
• Influence organizational, project, and program strategies and directions. Lead technical decision‑making at task level.
• Develop and implement project management plans for small to moderate projects, defining deliverables.
• Acquire internal and external funding through proposal development.
• Participate in professional societies, NNSA/DOE interactions, and external collaborations.
• Understand and adhere to all LANL and other regulatory guidance specific to foreign visit and activities laws and regulations.

Scientist‑4 (Sci‑4) Responsibilities

• Recognized as a technical expert in the area of specialization, translating national needs into technological objectives for R&D.
• Develop and implement project management plans for moderate to large high‑risk projects, leading scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables at project or program level.
• Integrate broad scientific/technical/engineering knowledge across disciplines to develop state‑of‑the‑art solutions for complex and ambiguous problems.
• Identify, promote, and develop new technical capabilities within the Laboratory, influencing industry standards and procedures.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Ability to obtain Q and SCI clearances; U.S. citizenship required.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in one or more technical research disciplines related to A‑2’s mission.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the U.S. intelligence and/or counter‑intelligence communities.
• Experience developing and implementing technical research and development projects, including hypothesis formulation, alternative solution investigation, and solution recommendation.
• Demonstrated adherence to scientific integrity and safe, effective technical research.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills with team members, peers, supervisors, and sponsor contacts.

Additional Job Requirements for Sci‑4

• Advanced knowledge and proven experience in technical research disciplines related to A‑2’s mission.
• Advanced experience in developing and implementing R&D projects, including hypothesis testing and solution recommendation.
• Ability to develop and implement project management plans for moderate to large high‑risk projects, leading scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables at project or program level.
• Ability to coordinate, mentor, and direct the work of technical staff.

Education / Experience

Position requires a Master’s Degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience or equivalent for Sci‑3. For Sci‑4, a Master’s Degree and 12 years of relevant experience or equivalent.

Desired Qualifications

• Insatiable curiosity, adaptability, and relentless analytical rigor.
• Experience working with the U.S. Intelligence Community, especially conducting all‑source analysis on nuclear or emerging technology topics.
• Experience writing for and briefing high‑level decision makers.
• Experience building programs and developing a customer base.
• Experience handling and protecting classified data.
• Experience working with a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Foreign language skills.
• Active Q and TS/SCI clearance.

Note to Applicants

Please attach a resume and a detailed cover letter addressing all required and desired skills. Without a resume and cover letter, your application will not be considered.

Work Environment

Work Location

The work location is onsite 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 to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Federal Restrictions Note

Citizens of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation who are not lawful permanent residents are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including LANL.

Where You Will Work

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a nationwide network.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 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

Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA under Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies only to U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q/SCI. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation. A Q clearance is required and is based on U.S. citizenship. Additional access authorization may be required. Eligibility: at least 18 years old; U.S. citizenship required except in very limited circumstances.

New‑Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires new‑employment drug testing. Use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.

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 federal, state, and local law limits. The Laboratory is committed to accessibility and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.