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

Research Technologist 1/2

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The Alpha Wing is a premier radioactive facility at LANL that is responsible for conducting research on a wide variety of radionucleotides for numerous programs. The Alpha Wing also supports the Pit Manufacturing program, which mission includes monitoring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile and conducting advanced research in numerous areas related to national security. Our research has made major impacts into how LANL operations think about how Pu and its related nucleotides can be processed. This includes manufacturing and surveillance processes are conducted at the nation's plutonium center of excellence, TA-55, PF-4.

Recently, the Alpha Wing has been tasked with assisting the Pit Manufacturing mission through chemical analysis of samples that are generated in the manufacturing plant. This Research Technologist 1/2 position offers a broad range of challenges including general laboratory responsibilities (cleanliness, organization, and hygiene), chemical process performance and development, use and maintenance of scientific instrumentation, and the handling of radioactive materials.

Specific job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • The safe handling of radioactive materials and strong acids and bases.
  • The use of scientific analytical equipment, including and ICP-OES and Gamma Spectrometer.
  • Performing column chromatography for the separation of radioactive elements.
  • Performance and development of procedures for the isolation of pure stock solutions of transuranium elements.
  • Assist in good housekeeping of the laboratory.
  • Proper use of personal protective equipment.
  • Understand chemicals and chemical hazards.
  • Have work checked through consultation and agreement with others including formal review by a senior member of the team.
  • Work alongside scientists and post-doctoral scientists to accomplish work.
  • Be a part of research publications through collaborative contributions.
  • Understand and adhere to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to the work and work area to which assigned.
  • Evaluate analytical data produced and determine next steps.
  • Produce analytical reports for customers.

Research Technologist 1: $87,800 - $143,00

As a Research Technologist you will execute and use fundamental scientific principles to solve technical problems in support of sample dissolution, preparation, and analysis for Pit Manufacturing mission under the Materials Recycle and Recovery program at LANL. This position will also support many of our other research areas, allowing the potential applicant to grow their skill in research and radioactive materials handling. The Research Technologist must possess technical knowledge on how to perform basic scientific calculations (molarity, serial dilutions, parts per million concentrations, etc.). The successful candidate will be expected to prioritize work based on programmatic demands, work both independently, and as part of a team; and contribute to continuous process improvements to meet customer requirements.

Research Technologist 2: $96,600 - $158,00

In addition to what is outlined here, a Research Technologist 2 will be expected to work far more independently in the creation of reports and the planning of work. They will be expected to manage their work independently and ensure that the completion of milestones and goals are of utmost importance.

Education/Research Technologist 1:

Position requires minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Research Technologist 2:

Position requires minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Knowledge of scientific principles, experimental processes, mathematical formulas, computations and data gathering methods.
  • Knowledge in the area of chemistry acquired by experience, certification and/or formal education.
  • Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office software.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of standard principles, concepts and techniques in area of general chemistry.
  • Proven ability to work as a part of a team in accomplishing complex goals.
  • Knowledge of relevant procedures, standards, and guides.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2
  • Proven ability to work independently in pursuing projects that deal with customer involvement.
  • Proven ability to create technical reports.
  • Proven ability to manage


Desired Qualifications:
  • Previous work in a chemistry laboratory.
  • Ability to supply input to proposals and publications.
  • Ability to as the lead in tasks that are assigned to them.
  • Demonstrated technical knowledge associated with analytical chemistry.
  • Demonstrated technical writing ability.
  • Previous experience with use ICP-OES and Gamma spectroscopy are beneficial.


Work Environment:

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:

For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses the key requirements of the position. (Please save a copy of your cover letter with the job number and position name for which you are applying.)

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 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.

*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.