Post Bachelors Student

What You Will Do

Sigma-1 is seeking qualified applicants for a Post Bachelors student position. 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 to other materials such as ceramics, uranium and beryllium.

The candidate will be expected to perform research in the field of materials science on problems related to fabrication and the structure/property relations of materials. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on individual who will, under the supervision of mentors, address both applied and basic research problems. The position requires a team player with an excellent work ethic, high-level of initiative, and a commitment to safety, quality and documentation.

The successful candidate will work be able to work independently and with others, be involved in communications with internal and external peers and sponsors, be a part of disseminating research in both internal reports and peer reviewed journals, as well as generate documents essential for the operation of the laboratory. Performance of job responsibilities will involve exposure to hazards that include radiation generating devices, radioactive materials, acids/bases, organic solvents and other hazardous materials.

This position is a 1-year appointment term with the option to extend up to 2 years in the job role.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrated ability to present R&D results to peers via internal communication, conference, or journal papers.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and effectively execute new laboratory skills
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrated ability to grow as a researcher and make significant contributions to ongoing research programs

Education/Experience: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science or a related field with materials experience.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise and experience in fabrication, characterization, and testing of materials. Ability to develop synthesis/manufacturing and processing methods for materials.
  • Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility.
  • Experience with problem solving on projects that deliver customized information products to users or customers.
  • Proven ability setting and meeting individual and/or team direction and goals for well-defined tasks within a project.
  • Active Q Clearance.

Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a resume and a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills.

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. Some flexibility to work-from-home may be considered.
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. 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.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

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.

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.