Separations Chemist; Scientist

What You Will Do

The Alpha Wing Team at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks outstanding candidates for a Scientist 3 position to work on complex, value‑added projects. The Alpha Wing is a premier radioactive facility researching radionucleotides across numerous programs and supporting the Pit Manufacturing program, which monitors the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile and conducts advanced research related to national security.

Recent tasks include assisting the Pit Manufacturing mission through chemical analysis of samples generated in the manufacturing plant. This Scientist 3 position offers a broad range of challenges: rigorous R&D for developing Pu separation strategies; planning and execution of analytical work; creation and maintenance of rigorous procedures; and approval and dissemination of analytical reports to program and customer organizations.

• Lead communication of technical R&D results, including publications, presentations, reports, intellectual property, and other technical products.
• Influence organizational, project, and program strategies; lead technical decision‑making at task level and make recommendations that influence key programmatic objectives.
• Define deliverables at the project or major task level.
• Ensure safety and security compliance, maintain required training, and incorporate safety and security into every task.
• Lead projects and contribute to larger team efforts.
• Make scientific judgments that dictate project direction.
• Determine and ensure completion of objectives and milestones for multiple projects.
• Mentor staff, post‑doctoral researchers, and students in technical and professional growth.
• Contribute to medium‑to‑large scale proposals and programmatic mission deliverables.
• Write small‑scale proposals for internal and/or external funding.
• Acquire funding support for self and others.
• Develop new methods, techniques, or approaches to address critical technical problems.

• Project Development:
  Demonstrated knowledge and experience in designing, planning, and executing research and development projects; familiarity with developing new methods or approaches; and experience meeting deliverables on schedule.
• Mentorship:
  Demonstrated ability to share technical knowledge and provide technical direction in a collaborative environment.
• Communication:
  Effective oral and written communication skills evidenced by authorship on peer‑reviewed publications, conference participation, and presentations.
• Scientific Background:
  Demonstrated knowledge and achievements in actinide separation science, separation factor determination, analytical proficiency with ICP and gamma spectroscopy, synthetic chemistry, actinide chemistry, and relevant scientific fields.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Synthetic chemistry and analytical characterization techniques (UV–Vis, IR, NMR, etc.); interpreting gamma spectrometry and ICP‑OES data; experience with C‑AAC deliverables and DOP.
• Self‑Management
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks concurrently; work independently to develop innovative solutions.
• Collaboration:
  
  Ability to collaborate and interact effectively with a range of personnel.
• Q Clearance:
  Must have a DOE Q clearance.
• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Master’s degree in a STEM field and 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Ph.D. in chemistry is preferred.

• Experience or specialized training with radioactive and nuclear materials.
• Experience working in glove boxes and open front fume hoods that contain transuranic materials.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and instrumentation, including operation, assembly, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with a variety of material types and sample preparation techniques.
• Current Q clearance.

Work near sources of ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation and toxic chemicals; use safety glasses, eye protection, face shield, mask or respirator, Level B HAZMAT suit/anti‑C clothing, gloves, safety shoes, and hood.

Onsite in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.