Actinide Analytical Chemist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$132,810 - $170,556 Annually

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Job Description

We have an opening for an actinide analytical chemist to perform sample preparation and isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry. Your work involves completing high-purity separations of actinides from environmental and nuclear materials in a clean room laboratory setting and performing high-precision isotopic analyses by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). This position is in the Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

In this role you will:

• Independently prepare samples for isotopic analysis by digesting, quantitatively splitting and spiking, and purifying from sample matrix by ion exchange and other methods;
• Perform isotopic analysis of actinides and metals by MC-ICP-MS;
• Perform data reduction and calculations and prepare data reports;
• Maintain laboratory records for quality control and quality assurance purposes;
• Maintain chemistry laboratory equipment and interact with vendors or technicians for equipment purchase or repairs;
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity;
• Interact with and support team members and the principal investigators on multiple projects;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship;
• M.S. in geochemistry, analytical chemistry, radiochemistry or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in purification of trace metals or actinides from complex matrices for isotopic analysis by magnetic sector multi-collector mass spectrometry;
• Experience performing high-precision isotopic analysis by MC-ICP-MS;
• Experience preparing samples in a clean room setting;
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment and processes;
• Experience performing quality evaluation of analytical data;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications we desire:

• Intermediate proficiency in a programming language such as Python, R or Matlab;
• Ability to coordinate complex tasks by interacting independently with professionals in the execution of responsibilities;
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills necessary to author technical reports and deliver technical presentations.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!;
• Flexible Benefits Package;
• 401(k);
• Relocation Assistance;
• Education Reimbursement Program;
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs);
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity;
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values;
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement.

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

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