Los Alamos National Security LLC
Chemistry Technician (Research Technician 4/5)
Los Alamos National Security LLC, Los Alamos, New Mexico, us, 87545
What You Will Do
The Actinide Analytical Chemistry group (C-AAC) has an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician to join their team. In this role you will play a vital part in supporting the Laboratory's critical national security mission areas, including weapons science and threat reduction.
As the selected candidate, you will work collaboratively with a dynamic team of technicians, technologists, and scientists in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented environment. Your primary focus will be on the characterization of nuclear materials, using cutting‑edge techniques such as X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry.
Responsibilities can include:
Preparing and conducting chemical analyses of plutonium and other actinide‑containing materials
Operating and maintaining XRF instrumentation within a radiological laboratory
Preparing reagents and performing sample preparation tasks
This position requires the ability to work with sensitive and classified information, ensuring the protection and proper handling of critical data.
What You Need This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Minimum Job Requirements Research Technician 4 ($71,200 – $112,900)
Experience working in a chemistry laboratory setting with corrosive and hazardous chemicals
Experience performing hands‑on operations with radioactive and nuclear material
Experience following written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans, Laboratory requirements and maintaining required training
Experience interacting and working well in a team environment toward the accomplishment of common goals
Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative and complete assignments with minimum direction
Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Office products
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full‑face respirator
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship
Research Technician 5 ($85,900 – $139,900)
Experience as a designated procurement representative (DPR) and/or the ability to become one to procure laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment
Experience performing or supporting scientific experiments
Ability to perform non‑routine tasks, exercising independent judgement
Advanced skills in chemical or radiological materials handling, analytical chemistry sample preparation, and/or operation and maintenance of scientific equipment
Demonstrated ability to manage the inventory of laboratory supplies and chemicals
Education / Experience Research Technician 4: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Research Technician 5: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications
Active DOE Q clearance
Experience in sample preparation for chemical analysis
Experience working in fume hood, open front hood, and/or glovebox
Experience working in a nuclear facility
Experience operating analytical instrumentation
Experience performing technical work within a quality assurance and quality control program
Experience procuring laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz); depth perception; standing; bending; walking; climbing stairs; use of both hands, arms, legs, feet; lifting 20‑30 pounds.
Work Environment Work near sources of ionizing radiation, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.
Work Location The work location for this position is fully 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 2 years.
Note to Applicants For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter indicating your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired qualifications. While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.
Foreign National Restrictions Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Benefits 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 maternity and parental leave
Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
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 met 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.
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. 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.
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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1‑505‑665‑4444 option 1.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1‑505‑665‑4444 option 1.
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As the selected candidate, you will work collaboratively with a dynamic team of technicians, technologists, and scientists in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented environment. Your primary focus will be on the characterization of nuclear materials, using cutting‑edge techniques such as X‑ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry.
Responsibilities can include:
Preparing and conducting chemical analyses of plutonium and other actinide‑containing materials
Operating and maintaining XRF instrumentation within a radiological laboratory
Preparing reagents and performing sample preparation tasks
This position requires the ability to work with sensitive and classified information, ensuring the protection and proper handling of critical data.
What You Need This position will be filled at either the Research Technician 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Minimum Job Requirements Research Technician 4 ($71,200 – $112,900)
Experience working in a chemistry laboratory setting with corrosive and hazardous chemicals
Experience performing hands‑on operations with radioactive and nuclear material
Experience following written and verbal instructions, procedures, plans, Laboratory requirements and maintaining required training
Experience interacting and working well in a team environment toward the accomplishment of common goals
Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative and complete assignments with minimum direction
Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Office products
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including a full‑face respirator
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship
Research Technician 5 ($85,900 – $139,900)
Experience as a designated procurement representative (DPR) and/or the ability to become one to procure laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment
Experience performing or supporting scientific experiments
Ability to perform non‑routine tasks, exercising independent judgement
Advanced skills in chemical or radiological materials handling, analytical chemistry sample preparation, and/or operation and maintenance of scientific equipment
Demonstrated ability to manage the inventory of laboratory supplies and chemicals
Education / Experience Research Technician 4: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Research Technician 5: Position requires an Associate's Degree and 7 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications
Active DOE Q clearance
Experience in sample preparation for chemical analysis
Experience working in fume hood, open front hood, and/or glovebox
Experience working in a nuclear facility
Experience operating analytical instrumentation
Experience performing technical work within a quality assurance and quality control program
Experience procuring laboratory supplies, chemicals, and equipment
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 Hz); depth perception; standing; bending; walking; climbing stairs; use of both hands, arms, legs, feet; lifting 20‑30 pounds.
Work Environment Work near sources of ionizing radiation, safety glasses or eye protection, face shield or facial protection, mask or respirator, gloves or hand protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.
Work Location The work location for this position is fully 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 2 years.
Note to Applicants For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter indicating your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired qualifications. While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grow into the full salary band over time.
Foreign National Restrictions Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Benefits 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 maternity and parental leave
Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
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 met 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.
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. 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.
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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1‑505‑665‑4444 option 1.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1‑505‑665‑4444 option 1.
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