Surface Science Research Technologist 2/3
Los Alamos National Laboratory
United States
USD 94,500-154,600 / year
Posted on Sep 18, 2025
What You Will Do
The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for the position of Research Technologist 2/3 to support actinide research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MST-16 Group supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, Science Campaigns, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD), and many other programs. The Group makes strong contributions to fundamental plutonium science, providing characterization of new and aged pit construction materials, and development of technologies for advanced actinide materials analysis. Using multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science, the group engages in a number of areas that are important to the weapons program, including phase stability, aging, electronic structure, corrosion, and surface science. Our work takes place in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4), the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building (RLUOB), the Target Fabrication Facility (TFF), and numerous other facilities at LANL and across the country.
Research Technologist 2 ($94,500 - $154,600)
The successful candidate will support the Surface Science Team in conducting research and executing programmatic work at the TFF radiological facility. The selected candidate is expected to support and maintain a variety of ultra-high-vacuum systems, such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, along with supporting executions of plutonium materials science research to expand our knowledge base in plutonium surface science. Research activities will include the study of surface behavior of actinide materials, data analysis and interpretation, hands-on sample preparation, integration of results into internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, and activities to support the successful completion of milestones and deliverables.
Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Research Technologist 3 will also supervise work as lab manager at the TFF radiological facility. As a lab manager, the selected candidate will also be responsible for ensuring adherence to conduct of operations within a radiological facility. This involves coordination with security, maintenance, scheduling, and safety management organizations; and serving as the Person in Charge (PIC). Additional responsibilities include interfacing with other groups, supporting operations, training and mentoring junior personnel.
This position will be filled at the Research Technologist 2 level or Research Technologist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
In addition to the requirements above, the level 3 position will also require:
Education/Experience Research Technologist 3: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, post graduate course work may be desirable.
Desired Qualifications:
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 Korea (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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for the position of Research Technologist 2/3 to support actinide research at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MST-16 Group supports a variety of nuclear weapons programs, including Plutonium Modernization, Pit Surveillance, Science Campaigns, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD), and many other programs. The Group makes strong contributions to fundamental plutonium science, providing characterization of new and aged pit construction materials, and development of technologies for advanced actinide materials analysis. Using multidisciplinary expertise in actinide materials science, the group engages in a number of areas that are important to the weapons program, including phase stability, aging, electronic structure, corrosion, and surface science. Our work takes place in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4), the Radiological Laboratory/Utility/Office Building (RLUOB), the Target Fabrication Facility (TFF), and numerous other facilities at LANL and across the country.
Research Technologist 2 ($94,500 - $154,600)
The successful candidate will support the Surface Science Team in conducting research and executing programmatic work at the TFF radiological facility. The selected candidate is expected to support and maintain a variety of ultra-high-vacuum systems, such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, along with supporting executions of plutonium materials science research to expand our knowledge base in plutonium surface science. Research activities will include the study of surface behavior of actinide materials, data analysis and interpretation, hands-on sample preparation, integration of results into internal reports, progress reports to sponsors, technical publications in peer-reviewed journals, and activities to support the successful completion of milestones and deliverables.
Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:
- Support surface science research by helping to plan, coordinate and execute experiments by studying the surface science of plutonium using various methods (XPS, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Profilometry, ToF-SIMS, EXAFS, PM-IRRAS, etc.).
- Hands-on sample preparation of actinide materials in gloveboxes and open-front hoods, including coordination/logistics in a radiological facility and technique development for difficult or complex samples.
- Acquire, analyze and interpret data collected and communicate results via technical reports, presentations, and publications.
- Collaborate with other scientists, technicians and engineers to support all aspects of the experimental research effort.
- Contribute to ongoing technical work, primarily focused on plutonium surface science or corrosion.
- Contribute to the completion of milestones associated with various core mission programs and fundamental R&D projects.
- Maintain existing and developing new work-authorizing documents that support the team's work.
- Assist with general laboratory processes.
- Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Research Technologist 3 will also supervise work as lab manager at the TFF radiological facility. As a lab manager, the selected candidate will also be responsible for ensuring adherence to conduct of operations within a radiological facility. This involves coordination with security, maintenance, scheduling, and safety management organizations; and serving as the Person in Charge (PIC). Additional responsibilities include interfacing with other groups, supporting operations, training and mentoring junior personnel.
This position will be filled at the Research Technologist 2 level or Research Technologist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Experience with ultra-high vacuum systems (e.g. ToF-SIMS and XPS).
- Experience in various analytical and material characterization techniques (e.g. ellipsometry, IR, SEM, XPS, XRD, XRF, EXAFS, ToF-SIMS, profilometry, etc.)
- Experience with understanding and following safety guidelines and laboratory procedures.
- Experience in the planning and management of work in a laboratory setting.
- Experience working in a dynamic environment with strict rules and regulations.
- Experience working independently and in a team environment.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting data and effectively communicating results via technical reports, presentations and publications.
- Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance and HRP certification, which normally requires US Citizenship
In addition to the requirements above, the level 3 position will also require:
- Experience managing operations in areas involving high consequences for safety, e.g. handling reactive and/or hazardous materials, including glovebox work, high explosives; and working with high power lasers, high magnetic fields, accelerators, high energy capacitor banks, gas guns, or X-ray systems.
- Experience resolving problems of complex scope, requiring review of many factors.
Education/Experience Research Technologist 3: Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, post graduate course work may be desirable.
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in developing and conducting surface science experiments using ultra high vacuum systems
- An active Q clearance.
- Experience in handling reactive and/or hazardous materials/chemicals.
- Experience in other material characterization techniques (e.g. x-ray diffraction, EXAFS, etc.)
- PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or other relevant technical discipline
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 Korea (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.
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.
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)
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 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 for additional information.
- 712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
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 P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.