Radioisotope Processing Scientist (Scientist 2)

What You Will Do**

The Isotope Program (IP) in C-IIAC is a mission critical program which produces and purifies radionuclides for medical and industrial applications as well as for fundamental research. We are looking for an Isotope Scientist to join the team supporting processing operations, research & development, and program maintenance activities in the IP Hot Cell (HC) facility. The HC facility is a laboratory designed to safely handle high dose rate radiological materials and includes over a dozen telemanipulator stations to remotely handle these materials. In addition, the chosen candidate will work in general laboratory space with specialized equipment to support isotope processing activities. Mission thrust areas within the team include supporting new materials and separation processes, development of processing methods, and applications of accelerator-produced radioisotopes. These materials are used for cutting edge medical treatments or imaging for cancer and heart disease, for industrial uses for example in oil and gas exploration, and in national security and government uses. More information about the National program can be found at the National Isotope Development Center (NIDC) website at www.isotopes.gov.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and execute a Core R&D program focused on methods and strategies for streamlining radioisotopic processing using advanced tools such as robotics, in-line spectroscopy, 3D printing, millifluidics and/or similar technologies. The candidate is also expected to contribute to isotope production for routine isotopes and train or lead a team of technologists and technicians in production, or for developmental isotopes to design and document new processes. Finally, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the mission readiness of the facility, maintain a tidy work environment and work collaboratively with other sub-units of the Isotope team.

**Scientist 2 $104,100 - $172,200**

+ Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

+ Plan, coordinate, and conduct research including the development of automated and robotic approaches to isotope processing to increase speed, decrease worker hands-on work, minimize exposure to radioactivity, while increasing batch/batch performance. The ideal candidate will provide a short (

+ Acquire, analyze, and interpret data collected and communicate results via technical reports, presentations, and publications.

+ Collaborate with other scientists, technologists, technicians, and engineers to support all aspects of the production, research, and maintenance efforts.

+ Maintain existing and develop new work-authorizing documents that support the team's work.

+ Assist with general laboratory processes.

+ Actively participate in professional societies and working groups.

+ Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.

**What You Need**

**Minimum Job Requirements:**

+ A record of achievement through publications, reports, intellectual property, and/or other technical products.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively, conscientiously, and professionally, both independently and in a team environment.

+ Experience committing to technical and scientific excellence as well as timeliness of deliverables.

+ Experience in one or more of the following: radiochemistry, process automation, milli- or micro-fluidics, surface science techniques, synthesis, spectroscopy, 3D printing, and/or microscopy.

**Education and Experience:** Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 4 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the position. PhD degree and experience preferred.

**Desired Qualifications:**

+ Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or other relevant technical discipline, and at least one year of relevant work experience beyond the Ph.D.

+ Documented record of working safely and responsibly in an accelerator, radiological or nuclear facility

+ Experience in handling radioactive, hazardous, and/or radioactive materials, including hot cell or glovebox work.

+ Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship).

**Work Environment:** Work near sources of ionizing radiation and use of PPE which may sparingly include a respirator.

**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:** For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the job requirements, and a resume/CV. 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 grown into the full salary band over time.

**Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China - including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau - as well as citizens of 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.**

**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 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.

**No Clearance:** Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

**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 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 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 ... or call ... option 1.