Electron Microscopy Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2) Job Opening

Electron Microscopy Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

• Los Alamos, New Mexico

Category: Medical Technologist

Organization NameMST-16/Nuclear Materials Science

What You Will Do

Nuclear Materials Science (MST-16) supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Sustainment, Pit Surveillance, and the Science Program, as well as fuel cycle research & development, nuclear forensics, and Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects. The group is an international leader in fundamental plutonium science that includes phase stability, aging, electronic structure, corrosion, and surface science. MST-16 also applies its multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science and related disciplines to solve other engineering and materials problems in support of national security and weapons programs.

MST-16 seeks outstanding candidates with a strong background in electron microscopy and microanalysis. The chosen candidate is expected to work closely with staff to provide microscopy and microanalysis characterization to programs and projects while supporting state-of-the-art laboratory operations and meeting all safety, and security compliance needs. As a member of MST-16, the successful candidate will support a variety of actinide, including plutonium, and related materials science investigations. The selected candidate will play key roles in the study and characterization of materials, and will be expected to integrate seamlessly with the group’s technical endeavors. Characterization activities will include the analysis of new and aged pit construction materials and the development of microscopy and preparation techniques as needed for advanced actinide materials analysis.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technologist 1 ($73,800 - $120,400)

Responsibilities for the selected candidate at Research Technologist 1will include:

Support day-to-day operations in the MST-16 microscopy facilities.
Establish and maintain actinide sample preparation capabilities.
Contribute to methods development for the microanalysis of radioactive materials.
Contribute to meeting programmatic deliverables in surveillance and sustainment.
Interface with staff to address their microscopy needs.
Contribute to reports in a timely manner.
Maintaining compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
Assist with general laboratory processes: gas cylinders, cryogens, vacuum pumps, glove box operations, ordering supplies, and housekeeping.
Work with radiological or fissile materials, beryllium, and other programmatically related materials in a glove box environment.
Work under supervision and within established procedures, processes, requirements, or specifications to perform work on multiple tasks and projects.
Conduct technical work in the laboratory space or work area with responsibilities that may include preparing small scale samples for analysis, operating and maintaining equipment, working in a glove box, executing experiments, and various other activities supporting MST-16 programs.

Research Technologist 2 ($81,600-$133,400)

In addition to the responsibilities and activities listed above, the Research Technologist 2 will:

Lead day-to-day operations of the electron microscopy facilities.
Lead methods development efforts for the microanalysis of radioactive materials.
Interact with program management to support ongoing facility operations and funding.
Perform independent operation and/or maintenance of electron microscopy instruments.
Perform electronics troubleshooting, diagnostics and repair.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with at least 2 years of relevant work experience. Education or experience in electron microscopy may be substituted for a degree on a case-by-case basis.
A background in electron microscopy and microanalysis, including instrument maintenance and operations.
Experience in the preparation of samples for electron beam analysis
Strong mechanical, electrical, and related skills to meet the needs for day-to-day operations of our extensive microscopy facilities.
Experience with data analysis software tools and standard office software such as e-mail, Excel, and Microsoft Word.
Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, technical, and facility personnel.
Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship) and HRP certification.

Additional Job Requirements for a Research Technologist 2:

Experience with one or more of the following: (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe microanalysis, focused ion beam operations.
Experience with advanced material preparation of electron microscopy specimens from a broad array of materials types.
Experience with managing daily laboratory operations.
Experience providing direction, guidance, and training to laboratory users in microscopy facility-specific technical procedures.
A Master’s degree in science or engineering with at least 2 years of relevant work experience. Education or experience with electron microscopy may be substituted for a degree on a case-by-case basis.

Desired Skills:

Experience handling reactive and/or hazardous materials.
Experience working with glove boxes.
Experience in one or more other characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, or Raman spectroscopy.
Experience working in a nuclear facility.

Essential Job Functions:

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans and Laboratory requirements.
Ability to pass and maintain required training.
Ability to follow safeguards and security procedures in accordance with Laboratory policy.
Reading vision; depth perception, color discrimination, walking, climbing stairs; climbing ladders; crawling, twisting the trunk or back, balancing, applying torque with hands or arms, working alone, ability to lift 50 pounds, ability to hear and relay spoken instructions and alarms.

Additional Details:

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.

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.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

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.

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

Internal Applicants: Please refer to Laboratory policy P701 for applicant eligibility.

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 regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 [email protected] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) provides multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science using a comprehensive suite of destructive and nondestructive analytical techniques within a category I nuclear facility and other radiological facilities. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Appointment TypeRegular Regular Minimum Salary Maximum Salary