Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

What You Will Do

Materials Science in Radiation and Dynamics Extremes (MST-8) is looking for a Research Technologist. The Research Technologist will provide technical support and work closely with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians on materials science projects within the group. Responsibilities include:

• Materials characterization

• Thermal and mechanical testing of materials

• Synthesis of novel materials.

Daily tasks under the guidance of laboratory scientist Include:

• Metallographic sample preparation

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization

• Optical microscopy

• Performing tests and/or lab experiments

• Fabricating materials using known procedures

• Submitting machining requests, etc.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 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.

Research Technologist 1 ($85,900 - $139,900)

The successful candidate for the Research Technologist 1 position will have a strong background in materials science and will play a key role in supporting a wide range of research activities. The role will involve working with a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to advance projects focused on materials development and testing. The candidate will be responsible for providing technical support in one or more of the following areas:

• Materials Characterization: Conducting detailed analysis using advanced techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, and metallographic sample preparation. The technologist will be tasked with preparing samples and performing characterization tests to evaluate material properties and performance.

• Materials Fabrication : Assisting in the fabrication and synthesis of materials, particularly through powder processing of ceramics. This will involve working with various methods and techniques to create novel materials for testing and development in the lab.

• Mechanical Testing : Performing mechanical tests on materials to assess their properties and suitability for different applications. This includes testing materials under various conditions to measure strength, flexibility, and durability.

• Thermal Testing : Conducting thermal testing on materials to evaluate their heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and performance at different temperatures. This will include working with instruments to measure and analyze thermal properties.

• Documentation : Providing thorough documentation of test results and experimental procedures. This includes writing detailed reports, creating and maintaining spreadsheets to track data, and preparing slide decks for presenting findings to team members and stakeholders.

The Research Technologist 1 will work closely with the research team, contribute to ongoing studies, and support the development of new materials and techniques. This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about materials science and eager to develop hands-on technical expertise in a dynamic research environment.

Research Technologist 2 ($94,500 - $154,600)

In addition to the responsibilities outlined at the Research Technologist 1 level, the Research Technologist 2 will be expected to perform at a skilled level with direct experience in several of the core areas, including materials characterization, fabrication, and testing. At this level, the technologist will work more independently, taking on greater responsibility for meeting project deliverables and contributing to the advancement of complex research projects. Please note that a master's or PhD in materials science (or a related field) is preferred, as this position offers opportunities for advanced technical contributions, independent research, and collaboration on complex materials science projects. Candidates with higher-level expertise will have the ability to take on more significant responsibilities and contribute to shaping research directions within the team.

Additional Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management and Deliverables : The technologist will be expected to work independently to meet project deadlines and deliverables, coordinating with other team members as needed. This includes managing testing schedules, documenting results, and ensuring that the work aligns with the overall project goals.

• Enhanced Documentation and Reporting : At this level, the technologist will also be expected to take a leading role in documenting research findings. This includes writing detailed, high-quality reports, generating clear presentations for stakeholders, and ensuring that all data is accurately captured and communicated.

The Research Technologist 2 will have a greater degree of autonomy and responsibility in their work, playing a key role in advancing research efforts and helping guide less experienced team members. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual with substantial technical expertise to contribute to cutting-edge materials science research.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Basic Knowledge of Materials Science

• Hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment, including familiarity with common lab equipment and procedures.

• Basic knowledge of computer systems and applications, with proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience working effectively in a team setting, contributing to the achievement of shared goals and objectives.

• Ability to acquire a Q clearance, which usually requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2

In addition to the requirements outlined under the Minimum Job Requirements, the following qualifications are necessary for the Research Technologist 2 level:

• Proven experience with advanced materials characterization techniques, such as SEM, XRD, optical microscopy, and metallographic sample preparation.

• Demonstrated professional experience working in a scientific research environment, contributing to projects involving material testing, analysis, and development.

• Proven ability to execute job responsibilities with minimal oversight, demonstrating initiative and reliability.

• Experience working independently, taking initiative in managing tasks, and proactively contributing to research projects.

Education/Experience Research Technologist 1 : Position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience Research Technologist 2 : 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.

Desired Qualifications :

• Formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws, and other industrial machining equipment.

• Proven experience performing failure analysis to evaluate material performance and identify causes of material or component failure.

• Hands-on experience with SEM for detailed materials characterization, including image acquisition and analysis.

• Expertise in XRD techniques for the analysis of material structures and phase identification.

• Practical experience with mechanical testing to assess the mechanical properties of materials under various conditions.

• Experience analyzing data collected from materials characterization and testing techniques, interpreting results and drawing meaningful conclusions.

• Experience developing design packages using SolidWorks for materials fabrication or experimental setups.

• Familiarity with the setup and operation of pressure and vacuum systems in experimental environments.

• Experience working with high-temperature furnaces for material processing or testing.

• A solid understanding of pressure and electrical safety principles, ensuring safe operation of equipment and experiments.

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.

Note to Applicants : 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.

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. 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.

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.