Nuclear Safeguards Research Technologist; Research Technologist

What You Will Do

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated technologist to support mission‑critical work in nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and national security. NEN-1 develops and deploys technologies used to measure, characterize, and safeguard nuclear materials in support of domestic and international missions. This position provides a unique opportunity to work directly with special nuclear material, radiation detection systems, and advanced measurement technologies while contributing to some of the Laboratory’s most visible national security programs.

The selected candidate will support laboratory, facility, and field activities involving nuclear materials, radiological sources, and radiation detection instrumentation. Responsibilities include supporting experiments, operating and maintaining measurement systems, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical documentation, and ensuring work is conducted safely and in compliance with all applicable nuclear, radiological, and security requirements.

• Perform hands‑on technical work involving special nuclear material (SNM), radioactive sources, and radiation detection instrumentation.
• Support operations within Material Balance Areas (MBAs) and other controlled nuclear and radiological environments.
• Assist in the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of experimental systems and measurement equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and document data supporting safeguards, measurement, and engineering applications.
• Contribute to the development and execution of experimental plans and research activities.
• Develop and implement procedures and specifications supporting technical work and project execution.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technologists.
• Ensure compliance with radiological protection, material control and accountability (MC&A), and nuclear criticality safety requirements.

• Assume all responsibilities listed above.
• Provide technical leadership for assigned tasks and project activities.
• Mentor junior staff, technicians, technologists, students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Develop technical specifications and implementation plans for project activities.
• Coordinate portions of projects and ensure deliverables meet quality and schedule requirements.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic planning activities.
• Co‑author technical publications and reports.
• Provide technical review and peer review of documentation and work products.
• Serve as a technical resource for nuclear material handling and safeguards measurement activities.

• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles, experimental methods, and data collection techniques.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, radiological, and nuclear environments.
• Demonstrated ability to follow technical procedures and execute work with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrated experience working with nuclear materials, radiological sources, or controlled laboratory environments.
• Ability to independently resolve technical problems of moderate complexity.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and project coordination experience.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supervising technical personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to technical planning and project execution.

• Ability to obtain and maintain required radiological, nuclear material handling, and facility qualifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Research Technologist 1: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and two years of related experience; or an equivalent…