• Scientist 2

    Los Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, NM 87544

    Job #2707554684

  • 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 Analytical Chemistry 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. Specifically, the successful candidate will have credentials as a subject matter expert for one or more of the following analytical chemistry techniques:

    Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Gas Chromatography, and Gel Permeation Chromatography (DSC, TGA, GC, GPC). In addition to a relevant specialty, the successful candidate will be familiar with all these techniques and other common analytical chemistry techniques.

    The successful candidate will ensure that analytical requests are performed safely and efficiently, such that high quality data is collected and reported to the customers and archived in a timely manner. The successful candidate will develop relationships with the team customers (scientists and engineers across the NNSA HE enterprise), line managers and program managers. There is opportunity for future research and development in Q-5 high explosives projects and programs after establishing a firm foundation within the Team and the Group.

    What You Need

    Minimum Job Requirements:

    Experience with Analytical Chemistry Techniques: Strong background in other elements of general analytical chemistry and modern analytical instruments and methods. Specifically, knowledge of, and familiarity with: DSC, TGA, DMA, HPLC, GC, GPC.

    Communication and Teamwork: Teamwork is essential in this environment. The successful candidate will have demonstrated successful communication within, and contribution to, a wide-ranging team. Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in technical reports and presentations; experience meeting deliverable deadlines, both independently and as part of a team. Ability to provide direction and vision through positive example and action.

    Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience including skill in decision-making and adaptability to changing priorities and situations. Established ability in conflict resolution.

    Mentoring: The ability and desire to mentor team members, new hires, students and/or postdocs.

    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:

    This 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:

    • Experience handling high explosives and other hazardous materials

    • Knowledge of physical elements and testing methods of safety of high explosives

    • Ability to contribute to high quality reports and publications

    • Ability to create scientific posters and presentations, make public presentations

    • Ability to participate and contribute to meetings with safety, security, technical and/or administrative scope with various participants, including facility managers, mid-level line managers, engineers, scientists and program managers.

    • PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

    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.

    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: For consideration, applicants must submit a resume and a comprehensive cover letter that specifically addresses each of the requirements.

    Where You Will Work

    Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

    § PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

    § Dental and vision insurance

    § Free basic life and disability insurance

    § Paid childbirth and parental leave

    § Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

    § Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

    § Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

    § Onsite gyms and wellness programs

    § Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

    Additional Details

    Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (~~~) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

    Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

    *Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (~~~) for additional information.

    New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

    Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

    Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (~~~) for applicant eligibility requirements.

    Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to ~~~ or call ~~~ option 1.