Scientist, Research Scientist

Overview

What You Will Do

High Explosive Science & Technology (Q-5) Group serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in high explosives (HE) testing for the Nuclear Weapons Program and other national security areas. The group specializes in a broad array of energetic materials science including development (synthesis and formulation) and testing of novel explosives, pilot plant production of explosive materials, advanced manufacturing of explosives, analytical chemistry of explosives and explosives ingredients, thermal and mechanical characterization of neat explosives and their formulations, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.

The group is an exciting place to do mission-critical work, with a good balance between a scientific and engineering approach to our challenges, and a vibrant, talented, and motivated staff.

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a motivated candidate to serve as a scientist on the Gadgets, Machines, & eXplosives (GMX) Team. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Group and the Team, as we are engaged in mission-critical challenges related to high explosives development, production and sustainability.

The candidate must have 15 or more years  experience in explosive handling, including work with primary explosives. Specifically, the successful candidate will have credentials as a subject matter expert for larger-scale explosive production and detonation testing. Additionally, the candidate will be involved with R&D facility development and relocation efforts. The successful candidate will develop relationships with customers (scientists and engineers across the NNSA HE enterprise), line and program managers.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Extensive experience with explosives handling and synthesis: Demonstrated experience with synthesis of novel energetic molecules, formulation development, and handling of sensitive primary explosives. Experience with manufacturing methods at small and large scale. Strong background in other elements of general chemistry methods and modern analytical instruments and methods.
• Detonation testing and diagnostics: Strong background in detonation/laser diagnostics, including Photon Doppler Velocimetry, high-speed video and streak camera operation and oscilloscope operation, capacitive discharge unit operation coupled with signal pulse generators, and other common diagnostics used in performance testing. Experience in testing to elucidate detonation chemistry; including cylinder expansion and rate stick/front curve testing, shock sensitivity testing and blast measurements.
• Large scale batch manufacturing: Experience with pilot plant and other large-scale batch manufacturing of explosives and chemicals.
• Scientific reputation: Extensive experience and proven publication record in the energetic community.
• R&D-relevant management experience: R&D is a unique atmosphere and teamwork is essential. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience communicating within teams, and in leadership roles. Established ability in leading teams, sites, and conflict resolution working within R&D explosives facilities.
• Mentoring: Proven experience with mentoring and leading small and large teams in a variety of settings.
• Institutional acumen: Demonstrated commitment to Laboratory goals and SCoR (Safe Conduct of Research) principles in assuring the security of classified information, assuring the health and safety of workers, the public and environment, workforce diversity and employee development.
• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Position requires a Master s degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 12 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Clearance Ability:
  Ability to obtain and maintain a Q which typically requires U.S. citizenship.
• Experience handling high explosives and other hazardous materials
• Knowledge of physical elements and testing methods of safety of high explosives
• Proven experience with producing high-quality reports, publications, and presentations
• Ability to lead meetings with safety, security, technical and/or administrative scope with various participants, including facility managers, mid-level line managers, engineers, scientists and program managers
• Experience with R&D facilities, including relocation, contracting, commissioning, and demolition operations

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…