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What You Will Do
The Materials Science in Radiation and Dynamics Extremes (MST-8) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks outstanding candidates with strong theoretical and practical backgrounds in advanced electron microscopy. As a member of the electron microscopy laboratory (EML) team in MST-8, the successful candidate will help run the day-to-day operations of the EML, will contribute to electron microscopy-based technique development, and will help integrate electron microscopy-based experiments into a variety of programs at LANL. Job duties will include interfacing with and training users on dual-beam Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)/ Focused Ion Beam (FIB), overseeing maintenance of the electron microscopes, utilization of SEM/FIBs for sample fabrication, and helping ensure EML compliance with all safety, security, and compliance requirements. You will support electron microscopy needs for multiple divisions and programs at Los Alamos, by performing technical EM work and serving as a subject matter expert helping to increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of work in the EML. It is expected that half of your time will be spent supporting the EML facility and the other half performing electron microscopy to directly support programmatic and walk-in work.
The MST-8 group provides expertise and facilities for characterizing, understanding, and modeling the relationships between materials properties and their underlying structures. The EML is based in the Materials Science Laboratory and includes an Apreo SEM, an Apreo2 SEM, an Inspect-F SEM, a Helios 600 dual-beam Ga+ FIB/SEM, a Helios G5 dual-beam Xe+ PFIB/SEM, an image-corrected Titan 80-300 S/TEM, and will soon include a Spectra Ultra probe-corrected S/TEM. Roles and responsibilities for the position include:
Research Technologist 3 ($99,200-$164,100)
- Help run day-to-day operations of the electron microscopy facility.
- Help train qualified users on dual-beam SEM/FIBs.
- Provide routine maintenance of the electron microscopes and the coordination of service visits.
- Contribute to the development of new techniques, methods, and experimental designs to help solve problems across a variety of subject areas.
- Prepare high quality HR-S/TEM samples via FIB and/or conventional methods.
- Utilize FIB based methods to prepare samples for in-situ micro/nanomechanical experiments.
- Collect serial-cross-section data for 3D microstructural characterization.
- Guide and mentor users in their experimental and technical work.
- Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
- Serve as a subject matter expert within a team to help guide the future development of capabilities in the EML to serve the needs of the diverse user-base across LANL.
- Contribute to intellectual property such as patents, technical reports, and relevant publications in scientific journals.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- A background in electron microscopy and microanalysis, including instrument maintenance and operations.
- Proven expertise in dual-beam FIB/SEM operations.
- Experience preparing samples for electron microscopy.
- Strong mechanical, electrical, and related skills to meet the needs for day-to-day operations of our extensive microscopy facilities.
- Experience with data analysis software tools and standard office software.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with the preparation of TEM specimens from a broad array of materials’ types.
- Experience with managing daily laboratory operations.
- Experience providing direction, guidance, and training to laboratory users in microscopy facility- specific technical procedures.
- A desire to train electron microscopists ranging in abilities from novices to experts.
Education and Experience: Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in science or engineering from an accredited institution and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in science or engineering and 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Significant experience with advanced analytical electron microscopy methods including XEDS, EBSD, TKD, S/TEM, and FIB-based serial-cross-section analyses.
- Experience operating image and/or probe aberration correctors.
- Strong data analysis skills focused on the big-data problems of modern electron microscopy.
Note to Applicants: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required and desired skills and a full resume.
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)
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, 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 *********@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
