Description

Job Title Scientist 1/2

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name C-AAC / Actinide Analytical Chemistry

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

The C-AAC (Actinide Analytical Chemistry) Group within the Chemistry Division has a position available for a Scientist 1 or 2 in the Heat Source Plutonium Analytical Chemistry Team working in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4). PF-4 is an operational Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Performing hands-on glovebox work including sample preparation, chemical analysis and instrument operation.
• The individual will perform work primarily for the heat source Pu (Pu-238) program, but opportunities to cross-train in Pu-239 operations may be available.
• Knowledge and/or experience in chemical dissolutions, radiochemical separations, alpha and gamma spectrometry sample preparation and counting, FRAM, DC Arc spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, interstitial analysis of plutonium materials, and/or complex data reduction and analysis.
• Job duties will also include assisting in standard preparation, sample preparation and sample batch runs.
• Work will include data reduction/calculations, interpretation, and reporting.
• The selected candidate will ultimately support and perform the chemical analysis of 238PuO2 fuel materials, as well as instrument troubleshooting, procedure writing, process troubleshooting and method improvement.
• Position requires the candidate to have an understanding/experience with data quality assurance, data reduction, data review, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) use.
• The applicant must have substantial experience working in a research or production laboratory.
• Job duties will require qualification as a fissile material handler (FMH) worker.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a small team with specific deliverables including excellent communication, organizational, planning, and scheduling skills.
• Maintain functional analytical operations and provide regular updates to line management.
• Manage time effectively to deal with changing priorities.
• Work with group management and team leaders to resolve conflicting demands.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork in accomplishing objectives, including mentoring and motivating peers.

Work is routinely carried out in open front hoods and gloveboxes and requires the use of protective clothing and equipment and use of a full-face respirator. Selected candidate will be expected to be, or develop into, an expert in one or more technical areas within the team. Candidates must be familiar with chemical laboratory operations. Teamwork, flexibility, and cross-training are emphasized.

The successful candidate will report to the Team Lead and C-AAC line management. This group is responsible for chemical analysis and chemical certification of products generated in the plutonium facility.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of and experience performing work in a manufacturing environment and executing work in compliance with facility requirements, conduct of operations, conducts of engineering, and conduct of maintenance standards.
• Demonstrated experience working with confidential or proprietary information, classified documents or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills as evidenced by internal and/or external interactions, seminars, briefings, presentations, and/or publications
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, and ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 2:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute chemical techniques to help achieve program-relevant goals.
• Demonstrated understanding of the scientific principles relevant to chemical characterization of actinides.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving analytical methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise scientific judgement.

Education/Experience for Scientist 1:

Position requires a Bachelor's d degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience for Scientist 2:

Position requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in analytical and/or radiochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience working in a nuclear facility and or with special nuclear material including, but not limited to, Pu-238, Pu-239, and U-235.
• Demonstrated experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team of technicians, engineers, generators and professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience executing work in compliance with facility requirements.
• Thorough knowledgeable of Integrated Work Management (IWM) and integrated safety and security management (ISSM) procedures.
• Experience with nuclear high hazard facility operating requirements, safety authorization basis and/or Conduct of Operations planning and execution.
• DOE Q Clearance and HRP Certification.

Work Environment:

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.

C-AAC provides analytical chemistry expertise for a variety of national priorities. Diverse programs including plutonium sustainment, americium production, Pu-238 production, nuclear forensics, and others all require chemical certification of products and collaborate with the C-AAC organization to achieve national objectives.

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:

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.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular