Trace Element ICP-MS Analyst
- Req. Number: IRC142971
- Organization : Nuclear & Radiochemistry
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 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.
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000)
The successful candidate will independently prepare samples for trace element analysis and perform elemental analysis using high-resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS). Responsibilities include conducting data reduction and calculations, preparing accurate and comprehensive data reports, and maintaining detailed laboratory records to support quality control and quality assurance standards. The role also involves maintaining chemistry laboratory equipment, assist technical staff with vendors and service technicians for equipment procurement and repairs, and troubleshooting issues of moderate complexity. The candidate will collaborate with team members across multiple projects while contributing to a productive, organized, and safety-focused laboratory environment. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support research objectives.
Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000)
At this level, the successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and implementing new analytical methods for novel materials. This includes designing and validating analysis protocols, performing advanced data reduction, and delivering technical reports to internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will also serve as a technical lead for laboratory instrumentation, overseeing equipment performance and reliability. This includes coordinating with vendors and service engineers, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring minimal downtime through proactive maintenance strategies. In addition to core responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to shape and lead independent research projects, contribute to technical direction, and present findings to project sponsors and at scientific conferences.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:
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.
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.
Desired Qualifications:
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
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:
Both a CV/resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and how they address the minimum and (if applicable) desired qualifications are required.
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.
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 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.
Research Technologist 1 ($87,800-$143,000)
The successful candidate will independently prepare samples for trace element analysis and perform elemental analysis using high-resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS). Responsibilities include conducting data reduction and calculations, preparing accurate and comprehensive data reports, and maintaining detailed laboratory records to support quality control and quality assurance standards. The role also involves maintaining chemistry laboratory equipment, assist technical staff with vendors and service technicians for equipment procurement and repairs, and troubleshooting issues of moderate complexity. The candidate will collaborate with team members across multiple projects while contributing to a productive, organized, and safety-focused laboratory environment. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support research objectives.
Research Technologist 2 ($96,600-$158,000)
At this level, the successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and implementing new analytical methods for novel materials. This includes designing and validating analysis protocols, performing advanced data reduction, and delivering technical reports to internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will also serve as a technical lead for laboratory instrumentation, overseeing equipment performance and reliability. This includes coordinating with vendors and service engineers, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring minimal downtime through proactive maintenance strategies. In addition to core responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to shape and lead independent research projects, contribute to technical direction, and present findings to project sponsors and at scientific conferences.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in trace element analysis using HR-ICP-MS instrumentation of geologic or inorganic samples including routine data reduction
- Experience preparing samples in a clean room setting
- Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment
- Experience performing quality control evaluation of analytical data
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative, dynamic research environment
- Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2:
- Demonstrated ability to interpret trace element data and prepare detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Experience developing analytical procedures including data reduction for novel materials
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.
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.
Desired Qualifications:
- Previous experience with dissolution procedures of samples
- Demonstrated experience with measuring trace elements in U matrices and/or other radiological samples
- Proficient in establishing new analytical methods for new, unique material types with minimal oversight
- Experience with other ICP-MS platforms including, Q-ICP-MS, QQQ-ICP-MS, and/or MC-ICP-MS.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
- Color discrimination
- Depth perception
- Reading vision
- Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 GHz)
- Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping
- Reaching overhead, horizontally, and down
- Applying torque with hands or arms
- Gripping with the hands
- Typing or keyboarding
- Fine motor control
- Use of both hands and arms
- Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds
Work Environment:
- Work in a noisy environment
- Work near sources of ionizing radiation
- Work near electrical power supplies
- Work with toxic or irritant chemicals
- Sprays, mists, or vapors
- Safety glasses or eye protection
- Face shield or facial protection
- Gloves or hand protection
- Hood use
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:
Both a CV/resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and how they address the minimum and (if applicable) desired qualifications are required.
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.
