Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Technician​/Research Tec

What You Will Do

The C-AAC (Actinide Analytical Chemistry) Group within the Chemistry Division has multiple positions available for a Research Technician 4 or 5. These positions serve the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction. You will work on teams that perform nuclear material handling, disposition, movement, and chemical analysis. Routine work includes preparing and chemically analyzing plutonium samples using a variety of analytical techniques, supporting the analysis of plutonium metal and other actinide‑containing materials, and assisting with data logging, reporting, instrument upkeep, glove changes, bag outs, and related tasks to maintain analytical chemistry functionality in nuclear facilities.

• Research Technician 4
  • Prepare reagents and perform general lab tasks, including extensive sample preparation
  • Dissolve actinide materials
  • Operate instruments for actinide analyses
  • Follow approved written procedures and guidelines
  • Complete and maintain extensive radiological laboratory training requirements
  • Work in a team environment
  • Work with radioactive materials in glove boxes in a nuclear facility
• Research Technician 5
  • Independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot/repair a variety of instrumentation
  • Understand and implement a variety of QA/QC methods and protocols
  • Review data collection, record‑keeping, and report generation for compliance with protocols
  • Maintain/improve/streamline work execution in collaboration with others on the team
  • Identify and recommend solutions to problems affecting project requirements as they occur

• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory setting with corrosive and hazardous chemicals
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Knowledge of safety, security, and quality assurance practices, including calibration concepts and protocols
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full‑face respirator
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship
• Ability and willingness to work in a rigorously controlled work environment using formal operations and work authorization principles
• Ability to follow procedures and guidelines in accordance with stringent quality assurance and quality control requirements
• Demonstrated experience with data collection, record‑keeping, and report generation

• Advanced knowledge of analytical techniques
• Experience working in a laboratory environment with nuclear material

Research Technician 4:
Associate’s degree in a relevant field and five years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Research Technician 5:
Associate’s degree in a relevant field and seven years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience; bachelor’s degree preferred.

DOE Order 426.2:
Requires a high school diploma.

• Experience working in a nuclear facility
• Experience working in a highly regulated work environment
• Experience using various personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirator work
• Knowledge of DOE Conduct of Operations and safety/security requirements for nuclear/radiological facilities
• Active Q clearance
• DOE Human Reliability Program approval
• Certified as a Fissionable Material Handler
• Familiarity with the LANMAS database

• Ability to hear within a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz)
• Standing, bending, climbing stairs
• Use of both hands, arms, legs, feet
• Lifting 20‑30 pounds

Work may involve extended hours and shift schedules; shift differential pay may be applicable. The work environment includes proximity to ionizing radiation sources and use of eye protection, face shield, mask or respirator, gloves, and protective footgear.

Location:

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM.

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in the current position for 1 year to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout…