Materials Science Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Materials Science Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

What You Will Do

The Materials Science in Radiation & Dynamics Extremes group (MST-8) is seeking a highly skilled research technologist to join their Scattering Team. In this role, you will work closely with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians on a variety of projects and programs for both internal and external customers. Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills are essential, as is a commitment to LANL's robust safety and security culture.

This position will be filled at either the RT1 or RT2 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 ($72,500-$118,200):
  • Develop, implement, and complete project objectives such as analysis of mechanical, diffraction and imaging data, and/or maintenance of complex electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pressurized systems
  • Working with motion control, robotics, cryogens, furnaces, load frames, magnets, pressurized systems, energized electrical equipment, machine tools, and radioactive active materials to examine specimens, mechanically test specimens, and/or modify and probe specimens using diffraction and imaging
  • Work with classified, sensitive, and/or export control material to deliver fundamental data to the customers at LANL and in the DOD and nuclear energy programs
  • Contribute to internal reports, presentations, and peer reviewed publications for fundamental and applied science programs in nuclear energy, weapons, defense, and/or basic energy sciences
Research Technologist 2 ($80,100-$131,000):
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will:
  • Working without supervision
  • Author internal reports, presentations, and peer reviewed publications
  • Lead facility/capability improvements
  • Act as a formal mentor
  • Independently design, conduct and analyze experiments


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Research Technologist 1
  • Knowledge of the scientific method, experience with the application of fundamental physics, mathematics or engineering principles
  • Demonstrated competency and fundamental knowledge in materials science and mechanical engineering experimentation
  • Solid technical skills and hands on familiarity with techniques in computer control of scientific equipment, motion control, robotics, and/or diagnostic implementation
  • Experience with common engineering laboratory instruments, e.g. motion control, robotics, load frames, furnaces, magnets, pressure sensors, microcontrollers, and/or high-speed imaging
  • Experience with computer based tools for data acquisition, processing and analysis, e.g. Labview, EPICS, ImageJ, MATLAB, Python, Perl and/or Excel
  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as well as ability to work independently, with initiative, to plan, implement, and successfully complete complex long-term projects
  • Willingness to supply ideas and/or input for program development
  • Interest in providing support and/or supervision for subordinates
Research Technologist 2
  • Demonstrated proficiency and fundamental knowledge in materials science and mechanical engineering experimentation
  • Subject matter expertise data acquisition, motion controls, and/or diagnostic implementation
  • Track record of supplying ideas and/or input for program or capability development
  • Strong communication skills and the willingness to publish and present research at professional venues
  • Experience providing support and/or supervision for subordinates
Education Requirement for Research Technologist 1: BS degree and a minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Education Requirement for Research Technologist 2: BS degree and a minimum of five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Desired Skills:
  • Hands on experience with mechanical testing of materials, materials characterization, and/or diffraction or imaging measurements
  • Hands on experience with design and fabrication of parts by utilization of CAD software and standard machine tools
  • Basic programming experience
  • Interest in travel to participate in experiments at US and international synchrotron X-ray sources
  • Degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, or physics preferredEssential Job Functions: Color discrimination, depth perception, distance vision, reading vision, ability to speak, ability to smell, ability to hear in a normal range, fine motor control, gripping, carrying 30+ pounds
Work Environment: operation of motor vehicle, work in a noisy environment, work near electrical power supplies, work near sources of ionizing radiation, work near machinery, cranes and moving parts, work with furnaces and hydraulic load frames, work with magnets, wearing personal protective equipment including eye protection, hearing protection, gloves and safety shoes.

Work Location: The work location for this position is fully onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Travel: The Scattering Team performs experiments at US and international synchrotron sources, and it is a desired ability to participate in these off-site experiments. This typically entails 4-7 days away at a time, 3-5 times a year.

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: Note to Applicants: Submit a detailed cover letter with your resume addressing all required and desired skills. Please save the cover letter with the job number and name.

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 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

The Material Science in Radiation and Dynamical Extremes Group (MST-8) group provides expertise and facilities for characterizing, understanding, and modeling the relationships between materials properties and their underlying structures in support of Laboratory programmatic mission.

MST-8 is responsible for providing institution-wide mechanical testing, ion microprobe, and ion implantation facilities. The group also possesses expertise and utilizes TEM, EBSD, x-ray and neutron scattering, synchrotron x-ray studies, and scanning probe microscopy. MST-8 also has a strong capability in modeling material response from the atomistic to the macroscopic level, including mechanical quasi-static, high-rate and irradiation induced deformation. MST-8 is engaged in a wide spectrum of basic and applied research programs with majority funding from Nuclear Weapons Programs, Basic Energy Sciences, Nuclear Energy Programs and Laboratory Directed Research and Development. The MST-8 Scattering Team is based at the Lujan Center at LANSCE where it operates four neutron scattering instruments. The team performs neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments in support of LANL and external sponsors, primarily at the Lujan Center but also at US and international synchrotron sources, e.g. APS (Chicago, IL), CHESS (Ithaca, NY) and Diamond (Didcot, UK).

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)
  • 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 and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.