Analytical Chemistry - Staff Scientist

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission. 

$121,830 - $185,544  Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for an Analytical Chemistry – Staff Scientist to conduct characterization of nuclear materials. You will perform sample preparations and conduct a full suite of characterization techniques including assay, trace elemental analysis, and isotopic composition.  The selected candidate will prepare samples in gloveboxes and other contamination enclosures using anion exchange separations or other solid sample preparation followed by analysis via inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), titrations, or interstitial gas analysis (IGA).  In addition to characterization, other responsibilities include instrument calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, upgrade, and repair. Extensive on-the-job training will be provided for fissile material handling.

This position is in the Chemistry of Nuclear Materials group within the Materials Science Division. The selected candidate will support the Superblock within Strategic Deterrence.

This position will be filled at either the SES.1 or SES.2 level, depending on qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

Essential duties

• Conduct actinide sample preparations using prescribed standard operation procedures
• Analyze materials using ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IGA, or other instruments as assigned
• Handle fissile materials and maintain related certifications
• Safely work in gloveboxes and other contamination enclosures
• Support the preparation of written analyses, verbal briefings and other presentations that capture and communicate results
• Perform instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and necessary repairs
• Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives
• Function as a dependable and proactive member of a team

Additional Duties at SES.2 Level

• Conduct moderately complex to complex actinide sample preparation with minimal guidance
• Independently run analyses, process data, and report results
• Drive continuous improvement of existing analytical methods; develop new methods as needs arise
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• B.S. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, forensic science, or closely related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Ability to learn new techniques; drive to advance analytical chemistry characterization capabilities
• Broad understanding of sample preparation techniques for elemental characterization
• Detail-oriented nature required to work deliberately in a highly regulated nuclear facility while complying with numerous safety and security regulations
• Ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team
• Ability to balance workload according to organizational priorities, solve problems, and complete projects on time
• Ability to provide status updates to management through clear verbal and written communication
• Sufficient interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research environment

Additional Qualifications at SES.2 Level

• M.S. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, forensic science or closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, or other inorganic analytical techniques
• Experience working in a highly regulated laboratory environment

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.