Research Technologist 1/2 | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Research Technologist 1/2

What You Will Do

The Materials Development team in the Engineered Materials group (MST-7) is seeking outstanding research technologist candidates to perform a variety of synthetic and analytical research tasks pertaining to novel classes of polymeric, ceramic, metallic, and composite materials. The team undertakes a broad range of high-risk, high-reward projects based on additive manufacturing (3D Printing), self-assembly, and other "bottom-up" materials synthesis approaches. The successful candidate will synthesize a variety of these materials and perform characterization experiments including imaging and other physical measurements, chemical analytics and mechanical testing. The candidate is expected to work independently and to assist in developing new protocols related to scale-up and process development as these technologies evolve out of our R&D laboratories and into manufacturing settings. Machine shop experience operating lathes or milling machines is a plus. Regular dissemination of results in the form of internal reports, peer-reviewed research papers, patent applications and conference presentations will be essential for success.

This position will be filled at either Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technologist 1 ($87,800 - $143,000)
Research Technologist 1 will be responsible for performing research and development studies under the direction of a principal investigator. They will assist in the collection of data in a format that can be readily plotted, analyzed, and modeled. They will be required to provide written descriptions of their experimental methods, with necessary diagrams.

Research Technologist 2 ($96,600 - $158,000)
In addition to Research Technologist 1 responsibilities, Research Technologist 2 will need to be able to independently execute self-contained research studies within the larger program and provide a first-pass analysis of experimental data, which includes data plots and preliminary conclusions. They will be expected to serve as a point of contact for one or more laboratories, ensuring that the facilities are safely operated, sufficiently supplied, and properly equipped for ongoing projects. The candidate will also be given more responsibility interfacing with external customers, negotiating deliverables, negotiating timelines, and managing customer satisfaction.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Ability to quickly learn and practice new laboratory synthesis and characterization methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a team possessing diverse technical expertise at a variety of skill levels.
  • Ability to utilize Solidworks or other CAD-type software for creation of new models for 3-D printing applications.
  • Ability to determine which manufacturing technique is most suitable for fabricating parts from CAD models.
  • Ability to operate fabrication equipment, such as drill presses, lathes, band saws, etc.
  • A strong skillset encompassing organization, planning, and interpersonal communication.
  • Experience in conducting technical materials-related R&D in a safe and secure manner.
Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or Polymer Science. Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Preferred degrees Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or Polymer Science.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with materials synthesis and/or 3D printing. (FDM, stereolithography, inkjet, or related technologies).
  • Ability to operate more complex machining equipment such as CNC mills, lathes, laser cutters, EDM, etc.
  • Knowledge of complex fluids (colloidal suspensions, gels, emulsions, etc.) and associated synthetic techniques.
  • Experience with materials characterization equipment and associated methods (SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR, BET, porosimetry, TGA, DSC etc.)
  • Active Q Clearance

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
  • Vision Speech and Hearing - Depth perception, Reading vision, Ability to speak
  • General Physical Mobility - Sitting, Standing for >30min, Walking, Climbing stairs, Climbing Ladders, Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Kneeling, Twisting the trunk or back, Balancing
  • Specific Physical Mobility - Reaching overhead, Reaching horizontally, Reaching down, Applying torque with hands or arms, Gripping with the hands, Pressing with hands or arms, Pushing with hands or arms, Pulling with hands or arms, Typing or keyboarding, Fine motor control, Use of both hands, Use of both arms, Use of both legs
  • Weight Handling Requirements - Carrying 20+ pounds, Lifting 1-20 pounds
Work Environment:
  • General Work Environment - Working alone
  • Specific Work Environment - Work in a noisy environment, Work under unusual lighting conditions, Work with vibrating equipment/machinery, Work near machinery with moving parts
  • Chemical Environment - toxic chemicals, Irritant chemicals, Dusts or powders, Sprays, mists, or vapors, Fumes, Carcinogens
  • Protective Clothing & Environment - Safety glasses or eye protection, Face shield or facial protection, Mask or respirator, Hearing protection, Gloves or hand protection, Safety shoes or protective footgear

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.

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: Please include a bulleted cover letter with your resume addressing how your experience related to each of the required and desired skills.

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.