Research Operations Associate Jobs in New Mexico

What You Will Do
Join the Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP) as a postdoctoral scientist to conduct basic and applied environmental microbiological research to support the safety case for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) deep geological repository for legacy radioactive waste.
As a member of the ACRSP team, you will work at offsite LANL laboratories located in Carlsbad, NM. These laboratories are configured primarily for radioactive work and its support but also have resources for environmental microbiology applications. Work may include cultivation and characterization of microorganisms present in the repository, biodegradation of waste components by said organisms, interactions of microorganisms with actinides (e.g., sorption), and microbial survival and activity in high ionic strength systems. Work will primarily focus on the biodegradation of cellulosic wastes by halophilic organisms at high ionic strength.
Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes:

1. Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed below (maximum 2 pages)
2. Current CV including publications
3. Optional: Summary of your relevant research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated experience with technical communication (verbal or written) in English
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, as evidenced by dissertation, publications, technical reports, and presentations
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe practices for technical work

Education/Experience: Candidates must have received PhD within the last 5 years (or imminent awarding of said degree) in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field
Desired Qualifications:

• Aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of microorganisms
• Expertise in various molecular methods (e.g., DNA/RNA purification and sequencing, PCR, protein purification)
• Bioinformatics experience (with any -omics data)
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, such as GC, HPLC, IC
• Experience with statistical packages, such as R Studio or other
• Prior work with radioactive materials is a plus but not required

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Ability to discriminate speech, sit, stand, walk, type or keyboard, and go on domestic and foreign travel. For the laboratory: ability to smell, use both hands to grip, press, push and pull; work near electrical equipment and ionizing radiation; work with carcinogens and radioactive materials in ventilated hoods and gloveboxes; and wear required safety equipment (glasses, gloves, coats, as appropriate.)
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Carlsbad, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
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.
Carlsbad is in southeastern New Mexico, approximately 300 miles from Los Alamos and 170 miles from El Paso, TX. This position is in Carlsbad, NM, not in Los Alamos.
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.
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.
Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.