What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quantum Research Technician for Helium Liquefaction and Condensed Matter Physics (Research Tec 2) position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The Quantum Group (MPA-Q) in the Materials Physics & Applications Division (MPA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking candidates for a Research Technician 2 to support a wide variety of experimental research. This research contributes to LANL mission interests in energy, security, basic science, and nuclear weapons-programs. MPA-Q performs experiments in areas involving high consequences for safety, such as high-power lasers, high magnetic fields, radioactive materials, and cryogens. MPA-Q is comprised of research scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, postdocs, and students specializing in experimental physics research, with a strong emphasis on fundamental condensed matter physics with complimentary thrusts in correlated electron materials, high magnetic field science, xray and neutron scattering science, thermal physics, and fundamental and applied research in physics.
The successful candidate will work in a dynamic team environment, on projects and programs for both internal and external customers, providing technical support for these activities including assembly, machining, modification, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work that enable key experimental capabilities (e.g., pumps, compressors, electro/mechanical equipment, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes, lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and cryogenic equipment). In addition, the candidate will operate a helium liquefier and liquid nitrogen dispensing equipment, help with the logistics associated with general shop housekeeping, ensuring that group members have access to the needed hardware, tooling, compressed gases, vacuum pumps, and related components required to reach project milestones. At this level in the R&D Technician job series, the selected candidate will receive supervision and mentoring to do tasks of moderate scope and complexity. It is expected that the new MPA-Quantum R&D Technician will gain greater depth of knowledge, skill and independence in many functional areas for advancement.
Key responsibilities include:
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
Work Environment: This position is in close proximity to experimental researchers, machinery with moving parts, and cleaning chemicals, and other chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment (safety glasses, face shield, mask, hand protection, and safety shoes) will be required.
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, applicant must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should briefly address each of the required and desired capabilities.
LANL salary ranges: 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 grow into the full salary band over time.
Clearance:Position does not require security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
The Quantum Group (MPA-Q) in the Materials Physics & Applications Division (MPA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is seeking candidates for a Research Technician 2 to support a wide variety of experimental research. This research contributes to LANL mission interests in energy, security, basic science, and nuclear weapons-programs. MPA-Q performs experiments in areas involving high consequences for safety, such as high-power lasers, high magnetic fields, radioactive materials, and cryogens. MPA-Q is comprised of research scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, postdocs, and students specializing in experimental physics research, with a strong emphasis on fundamental condensed matter physics with complimentary thrusts in correlated electron materials, high magnetic field science, xray and neutron scattering science, thermal physics, and fundamental and applied research in physics.
The successful candidate will work in a dynamic team environment, on projects and programs for both internal and external customers, providing technical support for these activities including assembly, machining, modification, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work that enable key experimental capabilities (e.g., pumps, compressors, electro/mechanical equipment, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes, lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and cryogenic equipment). In addition, the candidate will operate a helium liquefier and liquid nitrogen dispensing equipment, help with the logistics associated with general shop housekeeping, ensuring that group members have access to the needed hardware, tooling, compressed gases, vacuum pumps, and related components required to reach project milestones. At this level in the R&D Technician job series, the selected candidate will receive supervision and mentoring to do tasks of moderate scope and complexity. It is expected that the new MPA-Quantum R&D Technician will gain greater depth of knowledge, skill and independence in many functional areas for advancement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conduct high quality technical work in a safe and secure manner.
- Operate cryogen generating and dispensing systems and fulfill cryogenic dewar orders
- Install, maintain, and repair vacuum pumps, compressors, and other electro-mechanical equipment.
- Participate in equipment moves, forklift and crane operation operations, materials logistics, and inventory that involve compressed gases, vacuum equipment, chemicals, cryogens, tooling, etc.
- Work closely with scientists, postdocs and technologists to achieve scientific and technical goals.
- Interface with the group and facility management to address building issues.
- Work with hand and machine tools. Assist with technical shop work-such as machining, plumbing, electronics, mechanical tasks, or carpentry-to support and meet project objectives.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Demonstrated experience to ensure that all work, materials, processes, and final products meet quality specifications and established requirements.
- Experience doing hands-on mechanical or technical work.
- Experience in the repair of equipment, for example, pumps, compressors, rotary machines, or similar machines.
- Experience maintaining shop organization and readiness - inventory, procurement, orderliness
- Demonstrated experience working successfully in a dynamic team environment.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and basic computer processes.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with forklift and/or hoisting and rigging operations
- Experience with machine-tooling shop equipment (manual lathe/mill, bandsaw, hydraulic press, etc.)
- Basic working knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and/or engineering
Work Environment: This position is in close proximity to experimental researchers, machinery with moving parts, and cleaning chemicals, and other chemicals. Use of personal protective equipment (safety glasses, face shield, mask, hand protection, and safety shoes) will be required.
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, applicant must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should briefly address each of the required and desired capabilities.
LANL salary ranges: 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 grow into the full salary band over time.
Clearance:Position does not require security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to 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.
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.
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 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.
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. 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.