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Job Number: 216552
Research Tec 3
Date Posted: 12/17/2008 Division: C-DO
Employment Type: LANL Organization: C-IIAC
Appointment Type: Regular Status: Closed
Recruiting Scope: Number of Openings: 1
Salary Band
Minimum Mid Maximum
$43,600.00 $55,400.00 $67,200.00

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Individuals applying for this position should review the following memorandum.

Position Overview

The successful applicant will participate in the Inorganic, Isotope and Actinide Chemistry (C-IIAC) group as an entry level laboratory technician in the Radioisotope Production and Distribution Program. Personnel in the program produce radionuclides that are distributed for applications in industry, medicine, environmental research, materials studies, and basic scientific investigations. The work involves research and development into new methods of production and recovery of significant nuclides and investigations into new applications of radioisotopes. The successful applicant will be responsible for performing existing chemical procedures for processing irradiated target materials to recover specific radionuclides under the supervision of the senior staff and first line manager.

Key Position Requirements

Applicants must be willing to perform maintenance operations while wearing a respirator. Adherence to QA/QC practices is required as all work is performed under a quality control program dictated by FDA guidelines for current Good Manufacturing Practices. All members of the program are directly involved in the maintenance of critical equipment and facilities. Since the work is performed in radiologically controlled facilities, the candidate must understand and comply with ALARA principles and be knowledgeable of anti-contamination techniques. Experience in inorganic chemical separations and analytical chemical measurements. Knowledge of basic radioanalytical methods, particularly in qualitative and quantitative measurement of gamma- and beta-emitting radionuclides.

Job Description (show details...) collapse

Summary

Provides technical support for activities including research, analysis, development, design, assembly, modification, oversight, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work (e.g. electro/mechanical apparatus, optical devices, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes,  lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and experimental diagnostics). Specific duties may include:  technical support for or conduct of experimental work in materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, geoscience; computational work; instrumentation installation, hookups, data acquisition;  fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, analytical instrumentation; fielding of experimental diagnostics, ancilliary systems and related hardware; analyzing or validating results and reporting data. May work in areas involving high consequences for safety; e.g. chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, high explosives, high-power lasers, accelerators, high-energy devices, gas guns, and X-ray systems. Work may be directly related to national security objectives, requiring the individual protect and maintain sensitive or classified information. The job could require a Department of Energy (DOE) or other agency security clearance.  Responsibilities often develop into greater depth of knowledge in one functional area, or knowledge in more than one functional area, as one moves up in job level. Possesses demonstrated knowledge and skills in technical specialty and is recognized as a specialist in one or more relevant competencies.

Job Duties

  1. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
  2. Completes necessary training to perform all tasks safely.
  3. Understands and adheres to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to experimental activities.
  4. Ensures all work, materials, processes and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.
  5. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
  6. Conducts technical work in the laboratory space or work area, as directed by or discussed with supervisor.  Records procedures, equipment, parameters used in technical work; captures findings and data.  As directed by or discussed with supervisor, analyzes findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plans next stages of technical work. 
  7. Performs work at a fully proficient technician level. Assignments are usually focused while working within established priorities, procedures, processes, requirements or specifications.  Performs normal aspects of job with limited direct supervision, performs some non-routine tasks requiring the exercise of independent judgment, and works from general instructions for new assignments.  Work is occasionally reviewed for soundness of judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy.  Focused assignments are usually part of the total design or research project. Contributions are normally of sufficient value and scope to have significant impact on project or Group goals. Individual may make original contribution or provide technical leadership. Incorrect technical decisions can cause significant delays in project completion.

Job Knowledge

  • Work to technical objectives of assignments.
  • Work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior.
  • Investigate alternative approaches as appropriate.
  • Recommend solutions to problems affecting project requirements.
  • Knowledge and implementation of required safety, security, and quality assurance practices for the work assignment, including calibration concepts and protocols as appropriate.
  • In addition, all research technicians Level 3 are competent in one or more of the following:
    • Technical work, such as chemical synthesis; chemical, biological, radiological materials handling; analytical procedures and methodology; materials characterization or testing; optical and laser systems; data acquisition systems; cryogenics; vacuum systems; pressure systems; fiber optics; electronic imaging; solid-state electronic design and assembly; mechanical systems; etc.
    • Specialized training and knowledge for working in hazardous environments such as those involving high explosives, radiological or fissile materials, accelerators, lasers,  pulse power or high energy systems, etc.
    • Test and design, such as reading drawings and schematics, using digital test equipment, data analysis, electromagnetic shielding, high-speed data acquisition systems and software, ultrafast timing techniques, etc..
    • Knowledge in computers, computer programming, and / or software applications used in R&D job function..
    • May have formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws, and other industrial apparatus.

Education

  • Position typically requires an associate's degree in a relevant field and a three-to-five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

  • Receives functional and operational direction from research and development (R&D) supervisor.

B. Supervision Exercised

  • Provides functional and operational direction to R&D support and clerical staff, if assigned.

C. Contacts

  • Laboratory management, engineers, scientists, technicians and other facility personnel. Contacts may include technical personnel from other scientific laboratories and contractors, throughout the DOE complex, in industry, DoD laboratories, and universities.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.

Notes To Applicants

Education: Bachelors degree in chemistry or related technical field or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. For full consideration, applicants should submit a comprehensive resume and a cover letter describing their qualifications with respect to all of the Key Position Requirements. Applications without this cover letter will not be considered.

Contact

For specific questions about the status of this job, call (505)664-6947

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