Low-Level Radiochemistry Research Technologist; Research Technologist

What You Will Do

The Trace Analytical Chemistry Team in the Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group of the Chemistry Division is seeking an outstanding candidate with extensive environmental sample preparation and/or inorganic/analytical chemistry experience.

The successful candidate will perform sample preparation of actinides and other elements from various environmental and nuclear matrices. Work will be performed in chemical fume hoods in both the clean laboratory facility as well as laboratories with a higher-level radiological designation. Laboratory experimental tasks include sample dissolution, purification of elements of interest using, for example, ion exchange and/or extraction chromatography and/or precipitations, as well as final sample preparation for radio analytical counting techniques or mass spectrometry.

Other required tasks include contributing to maintaining the operation of the laboratory spaces (e.g., labware preparation prior to use and chemical inventory/stocking/ordering).

This work is related to nuclear security missions and is directly related to national security objectives, which requires the individual to protect and maintain sensitive or classified information. Occasional work exercises may require working extended hours. The required training with respect to the safe manipulation of radioactive materials will be provided.

Responsibilities will extend to contributing to the maintenance of Quality Assurance and Control records required for specific projects, performing data entry and review, and delivering research and development advances alongside other team members.

• Demonstrated experience with inorganic and or/analytical chemistry
• Demonstrated experience chemically separating and purifying actinides or metals from environmental or nuclear matrices
• Background in analytical method development
• Ability to work independently but with initiative within a team environment
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship

• In addition to the minimum requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
• Advanced-level experience with inorganic and/or analytical chemistry
• Advanced-level experience chemically separating and purifying actinides or metals from environmental or nuclear matrices
• Demonstrated experience with quality assurance/quality control procedures
• Experience preparing research documentation and provide peer-review of documentation
• Experience contributing ideas to scientific proposals and co-authoring scientific publications and/or reports to sponsors

Research Technologist 1

The position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 2 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Research Technologist 2

The position requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 5 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Degree in Chemistry, Physical or Life Sciences, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment
• Experience handling radio nuclides in a radiological laboratory and working in chemical fume hoods
• Experience working with relatively large quantities of mineral acids (e.g., nitric, hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids)
• Experience safely handling highly radioactive samples, including alpha and beta/gamma emitters
• Basic understanding of radiometric and/or mass spectrometry measurements

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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.

For complete application, submitting a CV and a cover letter is mandatory. Providing the following contact information is required: full name, phone number, and regularly checked email address.

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"…