Adhesive Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)
- Req. Number: IRC144099
- Organization : MST-7/Engineered Materials
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Pincheira Dennett, Marcela
- Recruiter Email: marcelap@lanl.gov
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1/2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000)
The position offers the opportunity to work on a highly successful and critical team. The kitting team within MST-7 supplies adhesives and other polymer kits to various groups at LANL. Through this work, members of the kitting team collaborate with multiple divisions and groups and contribute to the success of multiple high-profile tests. The chosen candidate will be required to follow established recipes and procedures exactly as they have been recorded, maintain supplies and supply chain, maintain an orderly work space, and effectively interact with other LANL groups.
Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000)
In addition to the duties outlined for Technologist 1, a Technologist 2 would be expected to implement time and cost savings measures as appropriate while maintaining kit quality. AS opportunities arise, the candidate would also lead research projects or development of new equipment for kitting operations.
The Engineered Materials Group (MST-7) is seeking outstanding candidates to join our adhesive kitting team. The team supplies adhesive, polymer, and chemical kits to various groups and organizations throughout LANL. The successful candidate will prepare requested kits in a fast-paced and dynamic environment using developed formulations. Candidates will also implement new practices to streamline the production process. The candidate is expected to work independently and should be highly motivated, customer-service focused, and detail-oriented. Work requires more intellectual contribution in process development and includes work requiring consistent exercise of discretion and judgment, as distinguished from performance of prescribed routine tasks. Regular dissemination of results in the form of well-kept laboratory notebooks, internal reports, peer-reviewed research papers, and conference presentations will be essential for success.
MST-7's mission is to use our materials science expertise to address national security needs. This requires maintaining excellence in fundamental polymer science, innovative materials development, and synthesis of unique thin films coupled with cutting edge materials fabrication processes, advanced characterization techniques and world class ultra-precision design and machining. We apply a multi-disciplinary approach to push the state-of-the-art in engineered materials to be responsive to emergent national security requirements, trusted stakeholders, and production agency needs.
Duties include:
- Work within the existing formulation framework and additionally, develop new, tailored adhesive kits to meet customer needs.
- Purchase, track, prepare, and maintain chemical inventory of material feed-stocks.
- Oversee quality control of adhesive materials.
- Work with budget analysts to develop and manage budget and contracts.
- Demonstrate responsibility in leading customer interactions.
- Log adhesive kit data into a LANL database.
- Participate in projects supporting R&D efforts for polymer and adhesive materials and cast parts.
- Perform chemical certification via theology and hardness testing.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirement
- Safety: Demonstrated experience working in benchtop laboratory settings and conducting materials-related experiments in a safe and secure manner.
- Project Management: Experience in project management, including planning, organizing and resource management. Application of excellent organizational skills in creating ownership and accountability to meet key commitments and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a broad range of priorities.
- Continuous Improvement: Experience in proactively leading organizational processes and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
- Critical Thinking: Experience conducting research, developing techniques, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to problems affecting business/programmatic operations. Gather, compile, and interpret data derived from multiple sources and present findings to a determined target audience.
- Communication: Extensive expertise demonstrating strong communication skills (interpersonal, verbal and written) while interacting effectively with a team and all levels of skill sets.
- Business Systems: Thorough knowledge and in-depth understanding of operations, policies and business systems including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (typically requiring U.S. citizenship).
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- Demonstrated depth of knowledge in the area of practice acquired by experience, certification and/or formal education.
- Demonstrated technical leadership in area of expertise.
- Demonstrated supervision of projects and personnel as part of a larger project or program.
Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.
Education/Experience for Technologist 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. Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of polymeric materials.
- History of contributing to or authoring technical reports, presentations, or peer-reviewed papers.
- Experience with scientific equipment and/or testing apparatus.
- Experience with procurement of items and services.
- Active Q clearance.
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 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 and holidays)
- 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 (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.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
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.