Trace Element Analytical Chemist / Research Technologist 3

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

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM seeks a Research Technologist 3 to perform trace element analysis of actinide materials using ICP‑OES and ICP‑MS. The role involves hands‑on work with alpha‑emitting materials in glove boxes and hoods, development of analytical methods, and ensuring instrument performance in a highly regulated environment.

The candidate will join the C‑AAC Elements Team and contribute to safe, compliant operations while preparing documentation and SOPs for work

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expert knowledge in trace element analysis using ICP‑MS or ICP‑OES.
• Experience in a production laboratory environment.
• Experience in method development and/or installation of new ICP instrumentation.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting ICP‑MS/ICP‑OES instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality analytical chemistry results for routine and non-routine samples.
• Work hands‑on with alpha‑emitting materials in glove box and open front hood.
• Perform analytical chemistry techniques: reagent preparation, sample handling, actinide separations.
• Operate lab equipment and instrumentation including ICP‑OES and/or ICP‑MS.
• Ensure equipment and instrumentation performance and reliability.
• Procur e, assemble, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical equipment and instrumentation.
• Develop and maintain authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly.
• Work to standard operating procedures in highly regulated environment.

Skills

Trace element analysis

ICP-OES operation

ICP-MS operation

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) group is seeking a motivated analytical chemist for a Research Technologist 3 position focused on trace element analysis. C-AAC provides expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of actinide materials with analyses ranging from assay of major components down to trace impurities. The successful candidate will join C-AAC's Elements Team to characterize plutonium and other actinide materials by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Research Technologist 3

• Provide high quality analytical chemistry results for routine and non-routine samples
• Work hands‑on with alpha‑emitting materials in glove box and open front hood
• Perform analytical chemistry techniques: i.e., reagent preparation, sample handling, actinide separations
• Operate lab equipment and instrumentation including ICP‑OES and/or ICP‑MS
• Ensure equipment and instrumentation performance and reliability
• Procure, assemble, validate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical equipment and instrumentation
• Develop and maintain authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly
• Work to standard operating procedures in highly regulated environment

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated expert knowledge and experience in trace element analysis using ICP‑MS or ICP‑OES instrumentation including routine data reduction
• Demonstrated experience working in a production laboratory environment
• Demonstrated experience in method development and/or installation of new ICP instrumentation
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and troubleshooting ICP‑MS or ICP‑OES instrumentation
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently
• Willingness and capability to perform hands‑on operations with nuclear material
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship

Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

DOE Order 426.2A: Requires a High School Diploma.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry or relevant scientific field
• Extensive hands‑on ICP‑OES or ICP‑MS experience in a production environment (at least five years)
• Experience in sample preparation including digestion and ion chromatography
• Experience working in gloveboxes or atmosphere‑controlled boxes
• Experience working with radioactive materials and in nuclear facilities
• Knowledge of practices for quality assurance/quality control in analytical chemistry
• Demonstrated ability to follow formal standard operating procedures under conduct of operations
• Demonstrated ability to work with and mentor a diverse team
• Familiarity with LabWare or similar LIMS
• Active Q clearance

Essential Job Functions

Sitting, standing, walking, use of both hands and arms, gripping with hands, applying torque with hands or arms, fine motor control.

Work Environment

Work near sources of ionizing radiation and irritant chemicals requiring personal protective equipment including safety glasses, gloves, and (occasional) respirator.

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.

Work Schedule

This position may require extended coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for the shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

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)

Directive 206.2

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

Clearance

Q. Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.

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. For applicant eligibility requirements refer to Policy P701.

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.