Analytical Chemistry - Staff Scientist

Overview

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.
1 level

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.
2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Analytical Chemistry - Staff Scientist to conduct characterization of nuclear materials. You will perform sample preparations and conduct a full suite of characterization techniques including assay, trace elemental analysis, and isotopic composition. The selected candidate will prepare samples in glove boxes and other contamination enclosures using anion exchange separations or other solid sample preparation followed by analysis via inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), titrations, or interstitial gas analysis (IGA).

In addition to characterization, other responsibilities include instrument calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, upgrade, and repair. Extensive on-the-job training will be provided for fissile material handling.

This position is in the Chemistry of Nuclear Materials group within the Materials Science Division. The selected candidate will support the Superblock within Strategic Deterrence.

This position will be filled at either the SES.
1 or SES.
2 level, depending on qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

Essential duties

• Conduct actinide sample preparations using prescribed standard operation procedures
• Analyze materials using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IGA, or other instruments as assigned
• Handle fissile materials and maintain related certifications
• Safely work in glove boxes and other contamination enclosures
• Support the preparation of written analyses, verbal briefings and other presentations that capture and communicate results
• Perform instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and necessary repairs
• Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives
• Function as a dependable and proactive member of a team

Additional Duties at SES.
2 Level

• Conduct moderately complex to complex actinide sample preparation with minimal guidance
• Independently run analyses, process data, and report results
• Drive continuous improvement of existing analytical methods; develop new methods as needs arise
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• B.S. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, forensic science, or closely related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to learn new techniques; drive to advance analytical chemistry characterization capabilities
• Broad understanding of sample preparation techniques for elemental characterization
• Detail-oriented nature required to work deliberately in a highly regulated nuclear facility while complying with numerous safety and security regulations
• Ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team
• Ability to balance workload according to organizational priorities, solve problems, and complete projects on time
• Abil…