Ceramic Processing Science Research Technologist 1/2

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional skills are required if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Are you passionate about leading a high functioning team to address challenging issues of national interest? The Ceramic Processing Science Team is seeking applicants for a Research Tec. The successful candidate will serve as a member of the Ceramic Processing Sciences team in the Sigma Division, reporting to the Ceramic Processing Sciences Team Leader. The Sigma Complex is a unique prototyping and fabrication facility that specializes in providing material, components, and manufacturing science to the Los Alamos experimental programs. The experimental mission spans the US nuclear weapons program, DOD, work with universities, Intelligence Agencies and many other customers. As part of this mission, Sigma Division works with a broad range of materials from stainless steel and aluminum and, uranium to ceramics spanning many materials across oxides, carbides, nitrides, hydrides, etc.

Our team works in diverse areas including powder analysis, powder synthesis, powder handling, and powder consolidation of a wide variety of materials. The candidate will be expected to have experience in materials research and working in a materials lab along with relevant materials characterization experience. In addition to this, this individual will perform research in the field of materials science on problems related to fabrication and consolidation of various ceramic materials and processes. With some initial training, the candidate will be expected to be able to work independently, develop process runs, keep laboratory notebook records, communicate effectively, and assist in reviewing documents essential for the operation of the facility. The position requires a team player with an excellent work ethic, high-level of initiative, and a commitment to safety, quality and documentation. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents and other hazardous materials.

Research Technologist 1 ($85,900- $139,900)

Performance of job responsibilities will involve focused assignments that require technical depth and understanding in ceramic materials processing and contribute to large research projects. Job duties may include contributing to the development, implementation and completion of project objectives through conducting experiments and data collection. The position requires a team player with an excellent work ethic, high-level of initiative, and a commitment to safety, quality, and documentation.

Research Technologist 2 ($94,500- $154,600)

In addition to the duties above, the Research Technologist 2 will communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals. Expanded team roles will include mentoring technicians, leading and reviewing activities of other team members.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Research Technologist 1
  • Candidate must have hands-on experience with general laboratory practices.
  • Applicant must perform assigned tasks thoroughly to completion with a high attention to details with limited supervision.
  • Ability to meet tight schedules (time management), organize and prioritize tasks for effective accomplishment of project goals.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with technical and operations personnel.
  • Experience with Windows based PC operation and standard software applications (Microsoft Office) including data manipulation, and use of databases.
  • Ability and willingness to follow safety and security procedures.
  • Promote a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
  • Ability to obtain a Q-clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Research Technologist 2

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, requirements at this level include:
  • Demonstrated experience in fabrication, characterization, and testing of ceramic materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to present R&D results to peers in technical reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team of professionals including technicians, engineers, and scientists including effective communication skills across all levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage ingenuity, creativity, and personal independence to support multiple concurrent team tasks.
  • Proven ability setting and meeting individual and/or team direction and goals for well-defined tasks within a project.

Education/Experience:

Research Technologist 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.

Research 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.
Essential Job Functions: applying torque with hands or arms, good hand eye coordination and fine motor control, lifting and carrying 30+ pounds.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Active Q clearance
  • Experience in DOE facility and programs
  • Experience with glovebox operations.

Note to Applicants:

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 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)

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.

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. 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.Work