Analytical Chemist (Scientist 2)

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Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory

Location: Los Alamos, NM 87544

Description:

Description

Job Title Analytical Chemist (Scientist 2)

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name C-AAC/Actinide Analytical Chemistry

Minimum Salary 104100

Maximum Salary 172200

What You Will Do

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) group is seeking a motivated analytical chemist for a Scientist 2 position focused on trace element analysis. C-AAC provides expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of actinide materials with analyses ranging from assay of major components down to trace impurities. The successful candidate will work with the Elements Team to characterize plutonium and other actinide materials by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The successful candidate will be required to:
  • Provide high quality analytical chemistry results for routine and non-routine samples
  • Work hands-on with alpha-emitting materials in glove box and open front hood
  • Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, particularly ICP instruments
  • Identify and implement process improvements for current methods
  • Develop and validate new analytical chemistry methods
  • Develop and maintain authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly
  • Communicate results through internal reports and technical publications
  • Provide mentorship and oversee the work of technicians and professional staff


What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in trace element analysis with ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS including instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting data and communicating results.
  • Experience working effectively independently and in a team.
  • Knowledge of and experience in designing, planning and executing research and development projects. Familiarity with development of new methods, techniques, or approaches to address critical technical problems. Experience meeting deliverables on schedule.
  • Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills as evidenced by publications, presentations, and report development.
  • The ability to obtain DOE Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship.
Education/Experience: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of related experience.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree with experience in a production environment
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field
  • Experience in operating and troubleshooting ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS instrumentation
  • Experience in chemistry sample preparation including ion chromatography
  • Experience with various laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation
  • Knowledge of practices for quality assurance/quality control in analytical chemistry
  • Experience working in gloveboxes or atmosphere-controlled boxes
  • Experience working with radioactive materials and in nuclear facilities
  • Familiarity with LabWare or similar LIMS
  • Active DOE Q clearance
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Standing, use of both hands and arms, fine motor control

Work Environment: Work near sources of ionizing radiation requiring PPE including safety glasses and (occasional) respirator

Work Location: The work location for this position is fully 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: While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grown into the full salary band over time.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
  • 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular

Contact Details

Contact Name Sutton, Jennifer Anne

Email jsutton@lanl.gov

Work Telephone

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