Polymer Chemist (Scientist 1/2)
- Req. Number: IRC143576
- Organization : MST-7/Engineered Materials
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
- Recruiter Name: Pincheira Dennett, Marcela
- Recruiter Email: marcelap@lanl.gov
This position will be filled at either the Scientist 1 or 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.
The Materials Chemistry & Compatibility team in the Engineered Materials group (MST-7) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position in support of aerogel materials research, development, and production. A strong background in chemistry and materials science is required, as demonstrated by a recent record of authorship of technical reports and peer-reviewed publications in these fields. Expertise in the preparation and characterization of porous and nanostructured materials via sol-gel methods is desirable. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas: chemical synthesis, nanomaterials preparation and characterization, and/or polymer science. Candidates are expected to publish the results of their research in the literature and to present at conferences and technical meetings.
Scientist 1 ($96,600 - $158,000)
This level is for a chemist with a background in polymer science that has experience in either aerogel synthesis or organice polymer synthesis. This position will be working in the laboratory making unique polymers and characterizating them. Previous working history of synthetic inorganic/organic chemistry is highly required.
Scientist 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level research will be lead by the Scientist from experimental requirements.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- A BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field plus 2 years of experience
- Solid background in one or more of the following: chemical synthesis, nanomaterials preparation and characterization, and/or polymer science.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by writing and/or editing technical journals, papers or proposals.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills as demonstrated by experience with public speaking, experience presenting technical information and data to a broad audience, and experience working with interdisciplinary teams having diverse technical backgrounds.
- Ability to work productively on multiple projects as demonstrated by meeting deadlines, goals and requirements.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
- A BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field plus 4 years of experience
Education/Experience at higher level: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with sol-gel chemistry synthesis.
- Experience with aerogel synthesis or other high surface area materials synthesis (e.g., microporous/mesoporous/microporous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)).
- Experience with high surface materials characterization techniques, such as BET/gas physisorption methods, electron microscopy, and/or electrochemical characterization methods.
- Expertise in supercritical fluid processing.
- The successful candidate should have a record of technical excellence and innovative thinking as evidenced by publications, presentations, and letters of reference. Proven ability to work effectively both in a team environment as well as independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals are viewed favorably.
- Active DOE 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.
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 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.