Category and Level: Research Technician (Level 3 or 4 depending on qualifications)
Organization Name: MPA-MAGLAB: Materials Physics and Applications Division, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has immediate openings for technically excellent and highly motivated Research Technicians to build, maintain, and operate scientific instrumentation for use in some of the world’s strongest magnets. The work is a mixture of mechanical, electrical, machining, and troubleshooting tasks on vacuum, cryogenic, and electromagnet systems housing high-precision, low-noise electronics. Excellent quality and attention to detail in this work is essential to ensure scientific success and safe operation for experiments with potential for explosive failure. The selected candidates will support scientific users of our facility from around the world in a dynamic team environment where communication, teamwork, initiative, and follow through are essential.
These open positions are in the Magnet Operations and Scientific Techniques (MOST) Team, part of the of the MAGLAB Group and the Materials Physics and Applications Division (MPA). The MOST Team has a central and critical role in high magnetic field experiments, with responsibilities for the operation of pulsed magnets with peak fields up to 100 tesla; precision measurement of materials properties in pulsed fields (e.g. magnetization, resistivity, length or volume change, optical spectra, thermal parameters, etc.); instrumentation to control sample environments (e.g. inert atmosphere or vacuum, low or high temperature, high pressure or strain); and safe operation of experiments with potential for explosive failure.
Research Technician Level 3
- Build and maintain custom measurement tools (probes) for operation in pulsed magnets
- Machine custom parts using traditional and CNC equipment
- Install pulsed magnets and prepare them for use
- Learn the principles and practice of pulsed magnetic technology, apply that knowledge, and develop expertise in underlying technology
- Sustain and improve the organization of pulsed magnetic field laboratories
Research Technician Level 4
In addition to the work outlined above:
- Ensure magnet cells and support labs are fully equipped, prepared, and ready-to-go for planned experiments, including magnets, cryostats, probes, instruments, and computers
- Contribute to the design of new magnet cells, probes, cryostats, or associated equipment
- Operate pulsed magnets and develop expertise in the execution of a core measurement technique
Qualifications We Require
For Technician Level 3:
- Experience doing high-quality, hands-on work. (Examples include use of hand tools, machining, device assembly, electrical installations, electronics, computer networking, etc.)
- Ability to perform high quality mechanical fabrication and assembly
- Ability to accurately document technical work in a laboratory/shop, including details relevant to design new pieces of equipment
- Ability to keep labs organized, including inventories and stock
- Effective verbal and written communication.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Either (1) an associate's degree in a relevant field and three-to-five years of related experience or (2) an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional Job Requirements for Research Technician 4:
- Advanced experience in hands-on, technical work for complex/challenging projects
- Ability to interface with external companies in support of procurement of equipment and manufacturing of parts.
- Either (1) an associate’s degree in a relevant field and four-to-six years of related experience or (2) an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifications We Desire
- Formal training or advanced experience machining, including: CNC; working with a variety of materials; using various machine tools (lathes, mills, drill presses, or other industrial apparatus)
- Experience with CAD tools such as Inventor™, Solidworks™, or similar software
- Experience with electronic circuits, especially for scientific measurement.
- Strong computer skills, for example programming, calculations, spreadsheets, etc.
- Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic-research and mission-science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with time
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (generally requires US citizenship).
Note to Applicants
Those with questions should contact Laurel Winter.
Formal applications should be submitted at www.lanl.gov/careers job number IRC82615
For full consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses each of the key requirements of the position as well as a resume.
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Climbing stairs, walking, lifting 20-30 pounds
Work Environment: In a widely ranging ambient temperatures, work in a noisy environment, work near electrical power supplies, work near machinery with moving parts, safety glasses or eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes or protective footgear.
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. The Materials Physics and Applications Division (MPA) enables the development of new technologies that solve pressing national energy and security challenges by exploring and exploiting materials and their properties, developing practical applications of materials, and providing world-class user facilities.
LANL 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 (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
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.
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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
