Materials Research Technician; Research Tec

What You Will Do

The Nuclear Material Science Group (MST-16) is seeking Research Technicians to support plutonium and other actinide materials science research. In this role, you will provide support in one or more of the following areas: metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials synthesis and processing, materials properties measurements, and dynamic testing. Your day‑to‑day work will focus on small‑scale sample preparation, operating and maintaining equipment, executing experiments, and other activities supporting MST‑16 programs.

If you are detail‑oriented, this is an opportunity to learn established procedures, processes, and requirements to perform complex work in a unique environment on materials with a strong national security impact.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Candidate must have hands‑on experience with hand and power tools.
• Experience completing assigned tasks thoroughly to completion with a high attention to detail and limited supervision.
• Experience quickly learning new skills/techniques and adapting to changing environments.
• Experience working well in a team environment toward the accomplishment of common goals and interact effectively with peers and management.
• Experience following written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements and maintain required training.
• Basic knowledge of and experience in computer systems and applications.
• Ability and willingness to follow safety and security procedures.
• Ability to obtain Q‑clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain Human Reliability Program certification.

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

• Knowledge or experience related to metallography, electron microscopy, materials characterization, materials processing and properties measurements, mechanical and dynamic testing, and/or maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Ability to work independently and initiate work.
• Ability to perform non‑routine tasks, exercising independent judgment.

Research Technician 3:
Position requires an Associate's Degree and 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Research Technician 4:
Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Experience operating analytical equipment.
• Experience operating machining equipment.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting vacuum, gas, and pressure systems in a research environment.
• Experience in performing or supporting scientific experiments.
• Experience in preparation and analysis of small samples for materials science analysis.
• Nuclear or radiological facility experience and performing routine glove box activities with radioactive materials.

A current C.V. or resume with at least the following information is required: educational background, work experience, and degree dates. Degrees in a STEM field beyond the minimum requirement count toward years of related experience. References will not be contacted without applicant permission.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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.

Peripheral vision, depth perception, reading vision and distance vision (corrected), ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hertz), standing, walking, and lifting 20-30 pounds.