Scientist 2
- Req. Number: IRC136346
- Organization : MST-16/Nuclear Materials Science
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Salary: $101,700 - $168,200
What You Will Do
The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for the position of Scientist 2 to support actinide research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, and Science Campaigns, as well as more fundamentally focused research programs such as Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD). The group makes strong contributions to plutonium science, providing characterization of new and aged pit construction materials, understanding of corrosion, electronic and magnetic properties, and development of technologies for advanced actinide materials analysis. Using multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science, the group engages in several areas that are important to the weapons program, including phase stability, aging, physical properties, corrosion, and surface science. Our work takes place primarily in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4), the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building (RLUOB), and the Target Fabrication Facility (TFF). It also extends to numerous other facilities at LANL and across the country.
The successful candidate will conduct research with the Surface Science Team. The selected candidate is expected to execute a variety of plutonium materials science investigations to expand our knowledge base in plutonium surface science. Research activities will include the study of surface behavior of actinide materials, data analysis and interpretation, hands-on sample preparation, integration of results into internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, and activities to support the successful completion of milestones and deliverables. Although the position is primarily focused on experiments to study the behavior of actinide materials, incorporating research addressing other related research areas will be required. The successful applicant also will have significant responsibilities and expectations for the safety/security envelope for projects, the team, or the group, and may work in areas involving high consequences for safety.
Scientist 2 ($101,700 - $168,200)
Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the position. PhD degree and experience preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applications should submit a CV/resume and detailed cover letter addressing all requirements of the job.
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 Environment: Work near sources of ionizing radiation and use of PPE which may sparingly include a 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.
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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for the position of Scientist 2 to support actinide research at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, and Science Campaigns, as well as more fundamentally focused research programs such as Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD). The group makes strong contributions to plutonium science, providing characterization of new and aged pit construction materials, understanding of corrosion, electronic and magnetic properties, and development of technologies for advanced actinide materials analysis. Using multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science, the group engages in several areas that are important to the weapons program, including phase stability, aging, physical properties, corrosion, and surface science. Our work takes place primarily in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4), the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building (RLUOB), and the Target Fabrication Facility (TFF). It also extends to numerous other facilities at LANL and across the country.
The successful candidate will conduct research with the Surface Science Team. The selected candidate is expected to execute a variety of plutonium materials science investigations to expand our knowledge base in plutonium surface science. Research activities will include the study of surface behavior of actinide materials, data analysis and interpretation, hands-on sample preparation, integration of results into internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, and activities to support the successful completion of milestones and deliverables. Although the position is primarily focused on experiments to study the behavior of actinide materials, incorporating research addressing other related research areas will be required. The successful applicant also will have significant responsibilities and expectations for the safety/security envelope for projects, the team, or the group, and may work in areas involving high consequences for safety.
Scientist 2 ($101,700 - $168,200)
Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct scientific research studying surfaces and interfaces of actinides using various methods (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Profilometry, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), polarization modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), etc.).
- Work in large team environments requiring teamwork, personnel coordination, and communication skills to achieve the goals of the team and group.
- Hands-on sample preparation of actinide materials in gloveboxes and open-front hoods, including coordination/logistics in a radiological facility and technique development for difficult or complex samples.
- Acquire, analyze and interpret data collected and communicate results via technical reports, presentations, and publications.
- Collaborate with other scientists, technicians and engineers to support all aspects of the experimental research effort.
- Write and prepare proposals to conduct independent research relevant to the group's programs and customers.
- Contribute to ongoing technical work, primarily focused on plutonium surface science.
- Contribute to the completion of milestones associated with various core mission programs and fundamental R&D projects.
- Maintain existing and develop new work-authorizing documents that support the team's work.
- Assist with general laboratory processes.
- Actively participate in professional societies and working groups.
- Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated skills in various analytical and material characterization techniques (e.g. Ellipsometry, infrared (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fluorescence, LIBS, Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD), XPS, XRF, EXAFS, Profilometry, etc.) on a variety of materials.
- Demonstrated success in meeting deliverables and milestones.
- Demonstrated dependability and ability to work effectively, conscientiously, and professionally both independently and, critically, in a team environment.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting data and effectively communicating results via technical reports, presentations and publications.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment with strict rules and regulations.
- The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.
- The ability to obtain HRP certification.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or a related STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the position. PhD degree and experience preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
- PhD degree in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or other relevant technical discipline and at least one year of relevant work experience beyond the Ph.D.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and conducting experiments with solid actinide samples.
- Active Q clearance and HRP certification.
- Experience working with ultrahigh vacuum equipment and instrumentation.
- Experience in handling reactive and/or hazardous materials/chemicals.
- Experience in other material characterization techniques (e.g. x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, Raman, spectroscopy, etc.).
- Experience working in radiological gloveboxes.
- Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, applications should submit a CV/resume and detailed cover letter addressing all requirements of the job.
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 Environment: Work near sources of ionizing radiation and use of PPE which may sparingly include a 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.
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.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
