Chemist Scientist 2/3

What You Will Do

The selected candidate will work in the Clean Chemistry Team of the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR). Responsibilities will include: providing technical leadership for sample preparation associated with trace-level analysis of elements within bulk samples in support of the nuclear security mission, preparing samples and developing methods and testing for environmental level samples in biological matrices, and communicating technical results internally and externally (peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings, etc.). The staff member hired will be expected to provide professional level support for trace sample preparation including method troubleshooting. In addition, work will require the development ultra-low level radiochemical methodologies as well as data calculations and the interpretation of results for international safeguards and in vitro bioassay programs.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated level experience with low level sample preparation methods for support of environmental monitoring programs
  • Demonstrated experience developing data reduction protocols for analyzing data outputs from analytical instrumentation
  • Demonstrated success with engineering scientific solutions for complex analytical problems
  • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills including experience in writing annual reports, and monthly reports
  • Experience in collaborating with outside research scientists.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a rapidly changing environment
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance which typically requires US Citizenship.
  • Candidates must submit a cover letter addressing how they meet the position requirements.
  • Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3 position
  • Demonstrated advanced level experience with low level sample preparation methods for support of environmental monitoring programs
  • Experience and success developing scientific proposals
  • Experience interfacing with customers
  • Experience supervising and mentoring scientists, research technologist, technicians, post-docs and students
Education:
Scientist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences (radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry or analytical chemistry) from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation

Scientist 3: Position requires a Masters degree in the physical sciences (radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry or analytical chemistry) from an accredited college and university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience working in a cleanroom environment
  • Experience working with radiological samples
  • Basic understanding of mass spectrometry or radioanalytical measurements
  • Knowledge of ES&H regulations for radioactive and hazardous materials
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 or 2 years.

Notes to Applicants: Candidates must submit a cover letter address how they meet the position requirements and include contact information. While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.

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 maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
  • 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.

Clearance: Q or (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. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*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.

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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.