What You Will Do

The High Explosives Science and Technology group (Q-5) serves the Laboratory and nation by providing the knowledge base in 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, detonation performance testing, and special security projects.

Q-5, formerly GMX, is a founding group of Los Alamos Laboratory. Tracing direct roots back to the Manhattan Project where its members pioneered the science of explosives and revolutionized atomic weapons design. Responsible for the invention of the first Plastic Bonded Explosive, the group has continued to modernize, revise, and maintain materials and design for every Los Alamos Lab produced nuclear device since Trinity.

Q-5 is seeking a research technologist applicant for opportunities in high explosives characterization with a focus in analytical chemistry specifically gas chromatography. This will involve the development and application of gas chromatographic techniques for the chemical evaluation of high explosives, polymers, and other energetic materials. Positions will be awarded to a candidate demonstrating exceptional talent with a successful collaborative and scientific track record.

Responsibilities for the selected candidate will entail:

• Applying gas chromatography for analysis of permanent gases, high explosives, polymers, and other energetic materials

• Involvement in method development for gas chromatographic analyses

• Maintenance of gas chromatographic instruments

• Contribute to internal reports and progress reports to sponsors as appropriate to meet program objectives.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Skills

• Wide array of general analytical chemistry skills

• Experience with gas chromatography with a minimum of 5 years hands-on experience

• Experience with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

• Method development for gas chromatographic analyses

• Demonstrated ability to conduct high precision measurements and data acquisition are essential

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which generally requires US citizenship.

• A willingness to learn and practice the safe handling of explosive materials in a rigorous safety environment, along with the ability to manage complex and collocated hazards

• Ability to work effectively in a team and apply knowledge to a wide array of technical problems.

Education : Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. A Master's Degree in this position may be perferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with gas analysis using gas chromatography with TCD and mass spectrometry with a preference given to those with experience with Wasson Gas Auto-samplers

• Experience with LECO mass spectrometers

• Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry

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: All of the above must be addressed in the application (cover letter and CV) if it is to be considered. The application should address all the minimum job requirements and as many desired skills that are applicable. For technical questions related to this position contact: Chris Freye: cfreye@lanl.gov

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 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) 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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.