MST-16 Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2) - Military Veterans

Job Title MST-16 Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name MST-16/Nuclear Materials Science
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1/ Research Technologist 2, 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 Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) seeks a highly skilled and motivated research technologist to support actinide research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MST-16 supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, Science Campaigns, and many other programs. As a research technologist, the selected candidate will be responsible for maintenance, diagnostic and software upgrades, procedures, scheduling, and coordination of activities within the nuclear facility, and will be expected to integrate seamlessly with other group capabilities. Additional responsibilities include interfacing with other groups, supporting operations, training, and working with the facility cognizant systems engineers.

Research Technologist 1 ($81,700 - $133,100)

• Maintain compliance with conduct of operations, safety, security, and environmental regulations. Perform work within established procedures, processes, requirements, or specifications.

• Effectively balance work on multiple tasks and projects.

• Independently operate and maintain microscopy or x-ray diffraction (XRD) instruments and its supporting systems. Troubleshoot and coordinate updates and repairs with vendors and support personnel.

• Integrate with scientist to develop/maintain the instruments and execute experiments.

• Work with radiological and other programmatically relevant materials in glovebox environments.

• Hands-on sample preparation and shipping (including coordination/logistics) of actinide materials, addressing technique development for preparing difficult sample environments in gloveboxes and open-front hoods.

• Interface with various LANL support organizations including radiation protection, facilities, and shipping to coordinate and facilitate radiological work.

• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and formal technical reporting.

Research Technologist 2 ($90,000 - $147,100)

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level:

• Manage day-to-day operations and laboratory processes for microscopy and XRD instruments in a nuclear facility.

• Initiate and play a leadership role in method development and improvement efforts of the equipment and instruments.

• Interact with program management, line management, and scientific staff to support ongoing facility funding.

• Proactively assess instrument performance and reliability, generate improvement ideas, and propose integration of new equipment or capabilities.

• Provide mentorship and contribute to the professional development of colleagues.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

The selected candidate(s) will perform technical work requiring advanced knowledge in science and engineering disciplines and have:

• Experience with one or more of the following: (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe microanalysis, focused ion beam operation, XRD or other relevant instrumentation.

• Experience with material preparation of electron microscopy, XRD specimens or other similar specimens.

• Experience with data analysis software tools.

• Experience following detailed operating procedures, with the ability to learn new analytical techniques.

• Strong mechanical, electrical, and related skills to successfully manage daily laboratory operations.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including research documentation.

• Ability to work in a challenging environment with strict rules and regulations.

• The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

Research Technologist 2

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Experience with microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques, including instrument maintenance and operations.

• Advanced experience with material preparation of electron microscopy and XRD specimens from a broad array of material types.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including research documentation and reports.

• Experience in leading and managing daily operations.

• Effectively working in a team environment and working across organization lines to accomplish objectives.

• Demonstrated success leading or contributing to the development/implementation of processes, techniques, or concepts.

• Experience providing direction, guidance, and training to laboratory users in microscopy facility-specific technical procedures.

Education/Experience for Research Technologist 1: 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 for Research Technologist 2: 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:

• Active Q clearance and HRP

• Experience in handling reactive and/or hazardous materials/chemicals

• Experience working in gloveboxes

• Experience in other characterization techniques (e.g. x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, Raman, etc.)

• Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility

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

• Depth Perception
  
• Standing
  
• Climbing Ladders
  
• Lifting 20 - 30 pounds
  

Work Environment:

• Work near sources of ionizing radiation
  
• Work with explosives
  
• Protective Clothing & Environment: Mask or Respirator
  

Location : This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

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, applications should submit a detailed cover letter addressing all requirements of the job.

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

§ Paidchildbirth 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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular