Analytical Chemistry Research Technologist 1/2 - Military Veterans

Job Title Analytical Chemistry Research Technologist 1/2
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC)
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Job Title Lower/Higher 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.

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory provides expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of materials where actinide elements make up a significant portion of the sample. These analyses range from assay of the major components down to trace analysis of impurities - spanning over seven orders of magnitude of chemical analysis capability. In support of these capabilities, the group has the key facilities, glove boxes, hoods, analytical instrumentation, and technical expertise for safely handling and analyzing milligram to kilogram quantities of special nuclear material

This position will assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of processes, procedures and applications contributing to the overall objective of maintaining an effective quality program for the Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group (C-AAC).

As a Research technologist for C-AAC, the successful candidate(s) will work with Subject matter Experts (SMEs) on the Quality Team to develop and implement protocols to ensure analytical laboratory operations are compliant with chemistry laboratory quality protocols and procedures and provides robust quality oversite to analytical chemistry operations for C-AAC. Work with all teams in C-AAC and institutional quality to strength C-AAC quality program. Assist in the accreditation of ISO 17025 and implement the weapons program quality program to ensure compliance. Works collaboratively as part of a team, providing leadership and mentorship for others. Fosters strong relationships with customers, peers, and service providers. Identifies and addresses productivity impediments and promotes work process improvements.

Research Technologist 1 $83,900 - $136,600

• Understand and adhere to Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to Quality
• Assist with reviewing technical and performance specifications, quality levels, sampling plans, and inspection plans or procedures at the group level
• Work as a contributor in the C-AAC group for Assessments and Audits internally and externally by outside organizations
• Ensure Procedures and Policies are adhered to by performing internal assessments
• Assist on actions taken in response to audit findings to assure adequacy of completed corrective actions
• Assist in the application of quality control techniques, statistical process control methods, and data collection to identify failure causes, trends, focus improvement actions, rate the performance, and measure effectiveness
• Working with teams in our group to correct deficiencies and work to improve operations
• Assist to prepare, review, receive, index, classify, and transmit administrative and quality related records
• Assist Laboratory personnel with the implementation and understanding of QE policies, plans, and procedures
• Assist in Materials and Test Equipment (M&TE) functions such as but not limited to ensuring balances, weight sets, and labware are available and properly calibrated
• Ensure C-AAC results, materials, processes, and final products meet quality specifications and are completed and accurate according to established requirements
• Ensure data packages are completed in a timely manner and meet all Quality Assurance (QA) and or Quality Control (QC) requirements
• Ensure analytic data quality meets or exceeds customer expectations
• Assist in implementing C-AAC quality assurance/control objectives and assignments
• Assist in the planning and conduct of analysis, inspection, design, and testing activities

Research Technologist 2 $92,300 - $151,000
In addition to the duties of the Quality Engineer 2 the selected candidate will:

• Prepare, train others, and implement institutional level QA policies and C- AAC Quality procedures with emphasis on related M&TE functions
• Assist in determine and define C-AAC quality assurance/control objectives and assignments
• Provide oversight on C-AAC quality owned processes such as data package tracking, measuring and test equipment (M&TE), corrective actions, and nonconformance related processes
• Assist in maintaining ISO17025 Accreditation
• Assist in managing group assessments and audits from internal and external organizations

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


Research Technologist 1 (skills necessary to do the job)

• Entry level knowledge of and experience with chemistry laboratory analytical quality assurance/control
• Basic knowledge of and experience with quality assurance methodologies. Readily understands and interprets various quality standards and procedures.
• Basic knowledge and experience with ISO 17025, NAP 401.1 and NQA-1 protocols
• Basic knowledge of assessment/audit practices.
• Basic knowledge in handling M&TE within a laboratory setting
• Willing to work in Glove Boxes with Nuclear materials
• For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above

Additional Job Requirements for the Research Technologist 2 (skills necessary to do the job)
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Demonstrated depth of knowledge and experience with chemistry laboratory analytical quality assurance/control
• Experience with Glove box work and working in Nuclear Facilities
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with ISO 17025, NAP 401.1 and NQA-1 protocols
• Experience managing M&TE functions such as but not limited to the calibrations of instruments such as balances, pipettes, and other common labware
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems of moderately complex scope requiring review of a variety of factors
• For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above

Education/Experience Research Technologist 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field, and 2 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience Research Technologist 2: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field, and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. Advanced relevant degree preferred.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

•Operators: Requires High School Diploma (or equivalent, i.e., GED)

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Industrial Systems Engineering or a related field.
• Background or experience in quality applications in Analytical Chemistry or other highly regulated laboratory environment
• Glove box certified to handle nuclear materials and work in nuclear facilities.
• Knowledge of assessment/auditing techniques
• Experience coordinating M&TE related activities
• Active Q clearance

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Sitting
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Fine motor control
• Carrying and lifting 30 pounds or less

Work Environment:

• Safety glasses or eye protection
• Mask or respirator
• Work near sources of non-ionizing radiation
• Work near sources of ionizing radiation

Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid and is located in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Hybrid is defined as working partially onsite/partially offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of this location. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

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 2 years.

Note to Applicants:

• For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above.
• Evaluation of applicants will commence immediately.

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.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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 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 1-505-664-6947 option 2.

Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type