Post-Masters Analytical Chemist

What You Will Do

Q-5 is seeking a post-master's applicant for opportunities in high explosives characterization with a focus in analytical chemistry specifically two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). This will involve the development and application of GC×GC techniques for the chemical evaluation of high explosives, polymers, and other energetic materials. Positions will be awarded to a candidate demonstrating exceptional talent with a successful collaborative and scientific track record.

Responsibilities for the selected candidate will entail:
  • Applying GC×GC for analysis of high explosives, polymers, and other energetic materials
  • Involvement in method development for GC×GC analyses
  • Contribute to internal reports and progress reports to sponsors as appropriate to meet program objectives.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Skills
  • Wide array of general analytical chemistry skills
  • Experience with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry
  • Method development for gas chromatography
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct high precision measurements and data acquisition are essential
  • Demonstrated competency with computers and software applications for word processing, data processing, and data visualization.
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires US citizenship.
  • A willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of explosive materials in a rigorous safety environment, along with the ability to manage complex and collocated hazards
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and apply knowledge to a wide array of technical problems.

Education: A master's degree in biology, chemistry, analytical science, or related technical field obtained at the time of hire or within the past 3 years but have not yet been accepted and enrolled in further graduate programs or PhD program.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated expertise in analytical chemistry
  • Experience with GC×GC with mass spectrometry with a preference given to those with experience with LECO mass spectrometers
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills through presentations at regional/national conferences and peer-reviewed publications. Desire to report work in peer-reviewed publications.

Note to Applicants:

All of the above must be addressed in the application (cover letter and CV) if it is to be considered. The application should address all of the minimum job requirements and as many desired skills that are applicable. For technical questions related to this position contact:

Chris Freye: cfreye@lanl.gov

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.
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. 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.

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.