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Actinides Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Design and optimize separation processes for actinides and fission products using advanced chemical techniques. * Lead and execute experiments for isotope production and used nuclear fuel (UNF ...

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Design and optimize separation processes for actinides and fission products using advanced chemical techniques. * Lead and execute experiments for isotope production and used nuclear fuel (UNF ...

Senior R&D Chemist

Janesville, WI · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Design and optimize separation processes for actinides and fission products using advanced chemical techniques. * Lead and execute experiments for isotope production and used nuclear fuel (UNF ...

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Actinides information

What are actinides?

Actinides are a series of 15 chemical elements in the periodic table with atomic numbers from 89 (actinium) to 103 (lawrencium). These elements are known for being radioactive, and many of them are not found naturally but are synthesized in laboratories. Actinides include well-known elements such as uranium and plutonium, which are used as fuel in nuclear reactors and weapons. They have similar properties, like being typically heavy metals and forming compounds with high oxidation states. Handling actinides requires special precautions due to their radioactivity and potential health hazards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Actinide Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Actinide Chemist, you need a strong background in inorganic and radiochemistry, typically supported by an advanced degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with specialized laboratory techniques, radiation safety protocols, and analytical instrumentation such as mass spectrometers is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help in conducting rigorous experiments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital for safely handling radioactive materials and advancing research in nuclear science.

What is the difference between Actinides vs Chemists?

AspectActinidesChemists
Required CredentialsScience degree, often with specialization in nuclear chemistry or physicsDegree in chemistry or related field, often with certifications in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, nuclear facilities, or academic institutionsLaboratories, manufacturing plants, or research institutions
Industry UsageNuclear energy, research, and defense sectorsPharmaceutical, environmental, industrial, and research sectors

Actinides are specialized elements used mainly in nuclear applications, requiring specific scientific expertise. Chemists have broader roles across various industries, focusing on chemical analysis, synthesis, and research. While both roles involve laboratory work and scientific knowledge, actinides professionals focus on nuclear materials, whereas chemists work across diverse chemical fields.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with actinides in a laboratory setting?

Professionals working with actinides often encounter challenges such as stringent safety protocols due to the radioactive and toxic nature of these elements. Handling, storage, and disposal require specialized equipment and procedures to minimize exposure and environmental impact. Additionally, actinide research involves complex analytical techniques and often requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, physicists, and health physicists, to ensure both scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Infographic showing various Actinides job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Ultra-Trace-Level Radiochemist-Technologist 1/2

Ultra-Trace-Level Radiochemist-Technologist 1/2

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Ultra-Trace-Level Radiochemist-Technologist 1/2
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name C-NR / Nuclear & Radiochemistry
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Research Technologist 1: ($85,900 - $139,900)
The successful candidate will join a team of analytical radiochemists supporting national security efforts in nuclear treaty monitoring, safeguards/nonproliferation, and nuclear forensics by performing elemental purification of trace levels of actinides in a clean laboratory setting. Purified actinides are prepared for analysis by high precision/high sensitivity isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Duties will include rotations through labware preparation/cleaning, as well as sample preparation.
Research Technologist 2: ($94,500 - $154,600)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the successful candidate will participate in data reduction and evaluation, report preparation, writing and maintaining standard operating procedures, method development for new and existing analytes with potential operation of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, and opportunities to present work to program sponsors or at conferences.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Experience with ion exchange chromatography, extraction resin chromatography, coprecipitations, or other chemical separation techniques
  • Experience with isotope dilution techniques or radiochemical tracing techniques
  • Experience in a chemistry laboratory setting using common laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, and balances
  • Understanding of molarity, molality, pH, serial dilutions, and mass balance
  • Familiarity with QA/QC programs and required documentation
  • Experience with analytical method development
  • Ability to work independently with initiative
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Basic computer skills including use of Microsoft office products (especially Excel)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with data reduction and data validation
  • Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which normally requires US citizenship

Additional Job Requirements for Technologist 2 level:
  • Demonstrated experience with report writing or technical manuscript preparation
  • Demonstrated ability to design an effective experiment

Education/Experience at lower level:
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education/Experience at higher level:
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in a STEM field preferred for the higher level job title
  • Preference given to candidates with mass spectrometry experience
  • Experience working in a cleanroom environment
  • Experience with database development/use
  • Demontrated experience giving oral presentations preferred
  • Experience participating in Proficiency Testing or Inter-Laboratory Comparison Exercises

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation) :
  • Color discrimination
  • Depth perception
  • Reading vision
  • Ability to smell
  • Ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 GHz)
  • Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping
  • Reaching overhead, horizontally, and down
  • Applying torque with hands or arms
  • Gripping with the hands
  • Typing or keyboarding
  • Fine motor control
  • Use of both hands and arms
  • Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds

Work Environment:
  • Work in a noisy environment
  • Work near sources of ionizing radiation
  • Work with toxic or irritant chemicals
  • Fumes
  • Sprays, mists, or vapors
  • Safety glasses or eye protection
  • Face shield or facial protection
  • Gloves or hand protection
  • Hood use

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:
Both a CV/resume and a cover letter are required, which should describe relevant chemistry experience as well as introduce you as a unique individual.
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 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
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.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular

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