Electrochemistry Research Technologist 1/2 (Research Technologist 1/2) Job Opening

Electrochemistry Research Technologist 1/2 (Research Technologist 1/2)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

• Los Alamos, New Mexico

Category: Medical Technologist

Organization NameSIGMA-2/Finishing Manufacturing Science

What You Will Do

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

Sigma-2, the Finishing Manufacturing Sciences group, is looking for several highly motivated technologists to work with existing staff on the Electrochemistry and Corrosion Team. The Electrochemistry and Corrosion team works with solution-based approaches to prepare and finish many types of materials with a variety of surface finishes, including gold, copper, nickel, and chromium. The work typically involves acids and bases. The team also performs solution and gas-phase corrosion investigations and surface finishing of aluminum. Industrial surface preparation and finishing techniques are used, in addition to the development of novel surface characterization and treatment methods. The selected candidate will be responsible for capturing knowledge and modernizing operations. The work will require the individual to utilize his/her knowledge in electrochemistry, corrosion science, and surface characterization (including atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation), as well as research cutting edge technology related to these processing areas. This position could require work on hazardous materials unique to the Laboratory (radiological materials, beryllium, etc.). The successful candidate will:

Develop and implement ideas with minimal supervision to optimize/ensure capability, maintenance and growth in the electrochemistry and corrosion areas.
Communicate results through internal reports, technical publications and/or progress reports.
Assist in developing and maintain authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly within the Sigma Complex.
Work with vendors to modernize, maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and equipment in the facility.
Maintain supplies for the equipment in these areas.
Ensure that the work areas remain tidy.
Complete hands-on work with radioactive and hazardous materials.
Work in areas handling radioactive and/or hazardous materials, acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Support installation, testing, and operation of new equipment.
Support removal of legacy equipment.

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

Performs work requiring advanced knowledge, customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction in science or engineering, to creatively and independently address research needs. In contrast to technicians, the work is predominantly intellectual in nature, and includes work requiring consistent exercise of discretion and judgment, as distinguished from performance of routine mental, manual, mechanical or physical work. Duties include:

Uses ability as a skilled specialist to contribute to the development of techniques, and completes work in innovative and effective ways.
Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts.
Focused assignments are usually portions of the total design or research project and require substantially more technical depth and provide solutions that are highly innovative and ingenious.
Communicates results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or technical publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Ensures that the work areas remain tidy and assists in developing and maintaining authorizing documents to perform work safely and compliantly within the Sigma Complex.
Work in areas handling radioactive and/or hazardous materials, acids, bases, and organic solvents.
Work with vendors to modernize, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and equipment in the facility.
Maintain supplies for the equipment in these areas.
Support installation, testing, and operation of new equipment.
Support removal of legacy equipment.

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

In addition to the duties outlined above, the Research Technologist 2:

Uses ability as a subject matter expert to develop techniques, and completes work in innovative and effective ways.
Develops new principles and concepts.
Assignments are usually a significant portion of a total design or research project and require substantially more technical depth to provide solutions that are highly innovative and ingenious.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Has demonstrated expert knowledge and skills in area of technical specialty.
Demonstrated knowledge in electrochemistry and/or electroplating areas acquired by experience, certification and/or formal education.
Demonstrated experience in operating, maintaining and repairing industrial scale equipment.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with use of relevant equipment.
Demonstrated experience of instrument troubleshooting and repair.
Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with technical and operations personnel.
Demonstrated ability in working independently as well as within a team environment.
Demonstrated experience in meeting scheduled deliverables or milestones.
Fluent in common software packages including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Experience with computer control and data acquisition of processing equipment.
Understanding of instrumentation and data collection.
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Desired Skills:

Experience preparing reports, papers and other scientific publications.
Demonstrated experience in operating, maintaining and repairing metallurgical analysis/ testing equipment to support materials research.
Demonstrated experience developing manufacturing systems.
Experience developing novel ideas into written proposals or presentations for both internal and external customers.
Experience in handling radioactive and/or hazardous materials.
Experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility.
Active or recent Q-clearance.

Research Technologist 1 Education Required: Relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Research Technologist 2 Education Required: Relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Essential Skills: Bending, standing, reaching, lifting 20-30 pounds.

Work Environment: Noisy environment (occasionally), work near electrical power supplies, work near sources of ionizing radiation, work with toxic, corrosive, and irritant chemicals, work in fume hoods, work with carcinogens, work with radioactive materials, wear appropriate PPE when required including safety glasses, facial protection, respirator, gloves, safety shoes, protective clothing.

Notes to Applicants: For full consideration, a detailed cover letter addressing how you meet each of the required and desired skills, and a current C.V./resume must be included with the application.

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.

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.

Sigma Division focuses on materials science and engineering, emphasizing metallurgical processes and research in support of the experimental testing program at Los Alamos. The Division is a service oriented capability that supports a broad customer base, both internal and external to LANL, with high quality one of a kind prototype components. The work ranges from unclassified to TS/SCI level security and covers all materials from hydrogen to uranium on the periodic chart.

Appointment TypeRegular Regular Minimum Salary Maximum Salary