Inorganic and Radiochemistry Post-Bachelors Student (post-bac) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Inorganic and Radiochemistry Post-Bachelors Student (post-bac)

What You Will Do

The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group is seeking an outstanding candidate with interest performing laboratory work in inorganic and analytical chemistry to support ongoing programs focused in the field of radiochemical separations. This work is related to nuclear security missions. The successful candidate will run chemical separation procedures to rigorously purify elements of interest from complex matrices. The candidate must be willing and able to work within a team environment. Training with respect to the safe manipulation of radioactive materials will be provided as required.



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • A demonstrated strong background and interest in laboratory work in chemistry or a related discipline (such as biology or geochemistry)
  • Demonstrated ability to apply sample preparation methods including working with strong acids and bases
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct complex laboratory procedures, including being able to read documented procedures and reduce them to laboratory practice
  • Proven ability to work as part of a team
  • Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office products
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail


Desired Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated chemical analysis using standard spectroscopic, analytical and/or radio analytical techniques.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires US citizenship
Education: Position requires a minimum of an bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences.

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.

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 northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

The Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group supports both operational missions and R&D efforts in bioassay, nuclear forensics, nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, treaty monitoring, and weapons programs. Basic research is conducted in areas of radiochemistry, radiometric measurements, materials characterization, mass spectrometry, nuclear chemistry and physics, spectroscopy, and actinide chemistry. Programmatic work supported by C-NR includes maintenance and stewardship of the nuclear stockpile, nuclear forensics, international safeguards, nuclear non-proliferation, treaty monitoring, and bioassay monitoring. C-NR addresses immediate to long-term mission needs for sponsors, and has established capabilities and facilities for handling and characterizing radiological materials over a wide range of radioactivity levels. Current major sponsors include the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Strategic Partnerships (Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, and other federal agencies), and LANL institutional support.

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.

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 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.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

  • Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
  • Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
  • Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.


Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

  • Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
  • From here, you will establish an account with username and password.


How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

  • Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
  • Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.


If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.