Mass Spectrometry Technologist \ (Research Technologist 1) Job Opening

Mass Spectrometry Technologist \ (Research Technologist 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

• Los Alamos, New Mexico
$73,800.00 - $120,400.00 a year
Category: Medical Technologist
Organization NameC-NR \ Nuclear & Radiochemistry

What You Will Do


The successful applicant will perform advanced mass spectrometry analyses using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) instrumentation in support of a variety of bioassay, environmental monitoring and threat reduction projects. Responsibilities will include sample analysis, data reduction and review and data reporting. In addition, the technologist will strongly contribute to the growth and productivity of the team by developing novel analysis techniques needed for new analytes, application streamlining, and maximizing sample throughput. Working with peers, the technologist will be responsible for the development, implementation, and completion of project objectives and will communicate results through internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, or formal presentations. The technologist will have significant responsibility for safety/security and the QA envelope of the project. The technologist will perform work and follow procedures in accordance with all applicable safety and security practices. Work is directly related to national security objectives and requires the individual to protect and maintain sensitive or classified information.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

  • Expert level experience with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry equipment
  • Demonstrated experience in analytical method development
  • Demonstrated success with engineering scientific solutions for complex analytical problems
  • Ability to work independently with initiative
  • Ability to provide day-to-day technical support while maintaining progress on long term tasks
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Basic Computer skills including use of Microsoft office products
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with data validation, data reduction, analytical data report generation, and in meeting programmatic QA/QC requirements
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship

Desired Skills:

  • Experience making trace element measurements
  • Experience working in a cleanroom environment
  • Familiarity with radiochemistry sample preparation techniques

Education: Position typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences and a minimum of two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

Chemistry Division's Nuclear and Radiochemistry Group (C-NR) is seeking a Clean Room Research Instrumentalist. The successful applicant will work as a member of the Clean Chemistry Team in C-NR. The Chemistry Division serves the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction with innovative chemical science and technology. Our capabilities are also essential for the emerging mission areas of energy security, civilian-sector R&D, and industrial partnering. The Nuclear and Radiochemistry group carries out fundamental and applied research in nuclear and radiochemistry. Our expertise includes isotope applications, radiochemical separations, nuclear chemistry, nuclear physics, radionuclide detection, mass spectrometry and isotope signature identification. The Clean Chemistry Team’s expertise involves methodologies and facilities for measurement of very low concentrations of radionuclides in environmental samples. Our facilities are among the best in the world for isotope ratio measurements. The primary duties of this position are performing mass spectrometric analyses of actinide elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry from a variety of challenging matrices in support of nuclear security efforts. A critical responsibility of this position will be to ensure that our analytical capabilities match both the current and future needs of our sponsors. The technologist will have the authority and responsibility to commit Team resources to meet these objectives.

Appointment TypeRegular Regular Minimum Salary73800 Maximum Salary120400