Mechanical Characterization Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)
- Req. Number: IRC137022
- Organization : MST-8/Materials Science in Radiation & Dynamics Extremes
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technologist 1 or 2 to join the Modeling and Characterization of Materials under Extreme Environments Team (MATTE) of Materials Science and Technology (MST) Division. MST division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing on understanding the processing - microstructure - property relationship of materials in various applications. The work spans all materials from hydrogen to uranium and may be export controlled. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, organic solvents, and other hazardous materials. This position requires an excellent work ethic and team building/mentoring skills, high level of initiative, and commitment to safety, quality, and documentation.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 1 ($85,900-$139,900)
The successful candidate will provide research support in the field of materials science. The research technologist will work within established procedures, processes, requirements, or specifications to perform metallography and mechanical characterization work on a variety of tasks and projects. Responsibilities for the selected candidate at Research Technologist 1 will include:
In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for a Research Technologist 2:
Education/Experience Research Technologist Level 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience Research Technologist Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants: For best consideration please provide a detailed cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements for the role.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
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.
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.
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:
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 (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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technologist 1 or 2 to join the Modeling and Characterization of Materials under Extreme Environments Team (MATTE) of Materials Science and Technology (MST) Division. MST division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing on understanding the processing - microstructure - property relationship of materials in various applications. The work spans all materials from hydrogen to uranium and may be export controlled. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, organic solvents, and other hazardous materials. This position requires an excellent work ethic and team building/mentoring skills, high level of initiative, and commitment to safety, quality, and documentation.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 1 ($85,900-$139,900)
The successful candidate will provide research support in the field of materials science. The research technologist will work within established procedures, processes, requirements, or specifications to perform metallography and mechanical characterization work on a variety of tasks and projects. Responsibilities for the selected candidate at Research Technologist 1 will include:
- Support operations and general laboratory processes in the MST-8 small-scale mechanical characterization lab.
- Cut, grind, mount, polish, and etch samples for microscopic or macroscopic examination using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and small-scale mechanical testing.
- Prepare samples for scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction analysis.
- Operate SEM and focused ion beam for general electron microscopy characterization.
- Interact with facility personal for installation and maintenance.
- Contribute to meeting program deliverables in various mission critical programs.
- Maintain compliance with conduct of operations, safety, security, and environmental regulations.
- Assist with maintenance of various types of laboratory equipment.
In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to:
- Resolve problems of moderately complex scope requiring review of a variety of factors.
- Contribute to the development of new analysis and characterization workflow for high throughput characterization.
- Develop/refine preparation and imaging techniques for quantitative materials characterization.
- Help coordinate sample preparation and data acquisition activities on the lab floor
- Contribute to reports and technical papers.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- A background in mechanics of materials and metallography with an emphasis on mechanical testing and electron microscopy characterization.
- General understanding of a wide range of mechanical testing techniques (e.g., nanoindentation, compression, tension, bending).
- General understanding of a wide range of sample preparation techniques and equipment.
- Experience working with computer systems and applications including PC software, and Microsoft Office Suite including data manipulation, and use of databases.
- Demonstrated experience in mechanical testing and sample preparation techniques.
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.
Additional Job Requirements for a Research Technologist 2:
- Demonstrated experience in working with electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and FIB.
- Demonstrated experience with complex mechanical testing systems and techniques (e.g., nanoindentation)
- Demonstrated experience with computer systems and applications including PC software, Microsoft office Suite
- Demonstrated experience in use of a computer language for writing analysis routines, such as MATLAB and Python.
- Demonstrated experience in developing reports and reporting on data.
Education/Experience Research Technologist Level 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience Research Technologist Level 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in use of image analysis software such as ImageJ and DIC software.
- 2 years of experience with small scale mechanical testing techniques (e.g., nanoindentation, compression, tension) and systems.
- 2-3 years of experience operating optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes and focused ion beam instruments.
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and setting up lab equipment.
- Experience handling hazardous materials.
Note to Applicants: For best consideration please provide a detailed cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements for the role.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 (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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
