Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Electron Microprobe Analyst (Research Technologist 1/2) in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Nuclear Materials Science group (MST-16), dedicated to plutonium and actinide research, is seeking a Research Technologist 1/2 to help facilitate the scientific output of the group through the operation and maintenance of our Cameca electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) instruments.
The position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 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.
Research Technologist 1 ($83,900 - $136,600)
This position is ideal for pursuing a non-academic career track with the opportunity to work in an area of materials science that is available at only a few places in the world. In this role, you will be conducting high-quality microprobe analyses and sample preparation, coordinating daily operations with staff across the lab, and acting as the primary contact for the instruments. If you are interested in working on exciting science while having a strong impact on national security, without the added responsibilities of an academic lab, please read on.
Research Technologist 2 ($92,300 - $151,000)
In addition to the responsibilities above, you will be responsible for supervising and training users, document management, and data processing. You will also be responsible for working directly with the service engineers for all maintenance issues, and conducting scheduled user service (e.g., filament changes, etc).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Experience with quantitative X-ray analyses using both wavelength- and energy-dispersive spectroscopies (WDS and EDS).
Experience with scanning electron microscopy and associated imaging techniques (secondary, backscatter).
Experience with electron microprobe.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to manage daily laboratory operations and work with a multitude of people spanning various backgrounds.
The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance and Human Reliability Program certification.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2 :
Experience with complementary data analysis software (e.g., image processing such as Surfr, Graphr, or ImageJ).
Experience working with and training collaborators and new users.
Experience conducting required user maintenance such as filament changes, etc.
Experience coordinating with service engineers on instrument maintenance issues.
Education/Experience for Research Technologist 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience for Research Technologist 2 : Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications :
Experience working with Probe for EPMA software.
Experience with electron microprobe sample preparation.
In-depth knowledge of X-ray spectroscopy and quantitative EPMA theory.
Experience diagnosing and troubleshooting vacuum and electrical systems.
Experience with other material characterization techniques.
Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility.
Note to Applicants : For full consideration, applications should include a detailed cover letter with additional information that individually addresses each requirement of the job. Degrees beyond a Bachelor's count toward the required years of experience.
Work Environment : Work near sources of ionizing radiation, work with explosives, use of PPE including a full-face respirator.
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.
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.
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 childbirth 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). 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.
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, 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.