Chemistry Laboratory Technician - (Research Technician 4/5) - Military Veterans

Job Title Chemistry Laboratory Technician - (Research Technician 4/5)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name C-AAC/Actinide Analytical Chemistry
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 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 C-AAC (Actinide Analytical Chemistry) Group within the Chemistry Division has multiple positions available for a Research Technician 4 or 5. These positions serve the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction.

The successful candidates will work on one of several teams that perform nuclear material handling, disposition, movement, and chemical analysis. Routine work will involve the preparation and chemical analysis of plutonium samples using numerous analytical techniques. The selected candidate will support the chemical analysis of plutonium metal and other actinide containing materials, as well as assist with data logging and reporting, instrument upkeep, glove changes, bag outs, and other tasks as needed to maintain analytical chemistry functionality in nuclear facilities. Activities will include support of mass spectrometry, radiochemistry, plasma spectroscopy, X-Ray fluorescence, Pu/U assay, sampling receiving and distribution and other additional techniques.

Work will require specialized training and qualification to handle Special Nuclear Material (plutonium and uranium) in secured buildings. Work takes place in gloveboxes and hoods and will require special PPE and respirators for certain activities

This position serves the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction.

Research Technician 4 $67,800 - $107,700

• Experience in analytical chemistry techniques such as: Wet Chemistry, radiochemistry including gamma and alpha spectrometry, ICPAES, ICPMS, Mass Spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence
• Ability to work in gloveboxes and hoods with radioactive materials in nuclear facilities.
• Learn analytical chemical analysis methods for actinide metals, compounds, and residues.
• Follow approved written procedures and guidelines.
• Effective communications both oral and written with various collaborating teams.
• Work in a team environment with collaborative methods and interfaces.

Research Technician 5 $81,700- $133,100

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

• Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of instrumentation.
• Develop and track QA/QC methods and protocols.
• Review data collection record keeping, and report generation for compliance with protocols.
• Maintain/improve/streamline work execution in collaboration with others on the team.
• Identify and recommend solutions to problems affecting project requirements as they occur.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Provides technical support for activities including chemical analysis, research, development, design and maintenance of analytical and support equipment
  
• Knowledge of implementation of required safety, security, and quality assurance practices for the work assignment, including calibration concepts and protocols
  
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior
  
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator
  
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship
  
• Ability and willingness to perform work in a rigorously controlled work environment utilizing the principles of formality of operations and work authorization
  
• Ability to follow procedures and guidelines in accordance with stringent quality assurance and quality control requirements
  
• Demonstrated experience with data collection, record keeping and report generation
  

Education/Experience at Technician 4 level : Position requires an Associate's degree in a relevant field and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Technician 5 level : Position requires an Associate's degree in a relevant field and seven years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with working in a nuclear facility and performing routine glove box activities with radioactive materials
  
• Familiarity and experience with Integrated Safety and Security Management
  
• Knowledge of DOE Conduct of Operations and safety/security requirements for nuclear/radiological facilities.
  
• Active Q clearance
  
• HRP approval
  
• TA-55 FMH Certified Operator
  
• Familiarity with the LANMAS database
  

Note to Applicants:

•Evaluation of applicants will commence immediately.

• This vacancy will close at COB, June 22, 2023; however, if it is determined that there is an adequate applicant pool prior to this date; the position may close earlier.

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 2 year.

Where You Will Work

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry group analyzes and chemically certifies plutonium and other actinide bearing metals and compounds for use in US Department of Energy Nuclear programs. Products analyzed support plutonium pit manufacturing, nuclear safeguards, nuclear forensics, and other nuclear production and scientific activities. This work contributes directly to the nuclear safety and security of the United States of America.

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). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances.Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*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