Synthetic Organic/Biorganic Chemist (Scientist 2/3)

What You Will Do
The Bioscience Division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites you to become part of our diverse team and support our critical National Security Mission. You will be joining some of the brightest minds at one of the most innovative R&D facilities in the world. The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sciences Group (B-TEK) in the Bioscience Division is a multidisciplinary group seeking a uniquely qualified candidate to apply your expertise and knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry to chemical, bioorganic, bioinorganic, and biophysical national security problems. As a highly qualified, independent candidate, you will have the opportunity to pursue innovative and creative research that matters to our country and our world.

The successful Scientist (2/3) candidate will support and develop programmatic and R&D efforts on multidisciplinary projects involving the synthesis, characterization, and identification of novel chemical compounds that answer questions in multiple disciplines (e.g., biosecurity, bioenergy, biophysical chemistry, structural biology, etc.). The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the growth and productivity of B-TEK and the Bioscience Division by developing new, mission-relevant science programs that utilize your sophisticated synthetic organic/bioorganic chemistry skills and by assisting in the preparation of new research proposals that successfully compete for internal LANL funding as well as external funding from NIH, DHS, DTRA, IC, ARAPA, DARPA and other agencies. Working with peers in B-TEK and collaborators across LANL, the nation, and the world, you will be responsible for the development and completion of project objectives and the implementation of new projects.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2/3 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.

Scientist 2 $99,200 - $164,100
Successful candidates will be passionate about synthetic organic/bioorganic chemistry and excited to solve complex problems in a fast-paced, highly multidisciplinary environment. This unique opportunity will immerse the successful candidate in the vast world of application-oriented organic/biorganic synthesis pertinent to multiple scientific areas including but not limited to the biological, biochemical, material, catalytic, isotopic, and analytical and physical sciences. You will be required to develop, troubleshoot, and optimize synthetic routes for the synthesis of target compounds and communicate your results through internal reports, progress reports, formal presentations and peer reviewed publications.

Scientist 3 $119,200 - $201,100
In addition to what is outlined at the lower Sci 2 level, at the Sci 3 level you will be expected to contribute and able to influence the Division and/ or Directorate strategies and directions. Your innovative contributions can include but are not limited to mentoring, peer review, meeting organization, personal and team scientific goals. You will be able to develop and implement project management plans for moderate to large projects and serve as a role model for effective and creative technical leadership within B-TEK and the Bioscience Division.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research and development projects
• Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews, stay-up-to-date with advancements in synthetic organic/bioorganic chemistry, and to drive innovation to improve synthetic strategies and outcomes
• Ability to independently develop new approaches to solve unique scientific problems
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with analyzing and characterizing known and unknown synthesized compounds using a sophisticated range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as NMR, MS, high performance chromatography, UV/Vis/IR/Raman/CD spectroscopies, XRD, etc.
• Knowledge of automated, modern synthetic methods such as flow-based chemical, photochemical, and electrochemical techniques
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental procedures, observations, and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to acquire internal/external funding for self by leading development of proposals as the PI
• Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record
• Excellent problem solving skills and a proactive approach to research
• The ability to obtain a Q-clearance (Requires US Citizenship and a background investigation)

Additional Job Requirements for Scientist 3:

• Advanced knowledge and proven ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications (e.g., patents)
• Demonstrated ability of comprehensive understanding of principles of scientific integrity
• Ability to provide technical direction to multi-disciplinary teams and/or multiple teams for Laboratory-wide and/or multi-institution initiatives
• Demonstrated strong mentoring and coaching capabilities for students, postdoctoral researchers, and young staff
• Demonstrated ability to acquire internal/external funding for your team by leading the development of proposals

Education/Experience at lower level: The Scienist 2 position requires a Ph.D. in a chemical/biochemical science from an accredited college or university and 2-3 years of related experience, typically post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience in industry

Education/Experience at higher level: The Scientist 3 position requires a Ph.D. in a chemical/biochemical science from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience

Desired Qualifications: Active Q Clearance
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:For full consideration, please submit a comprehensive resume and cover letter reflective of your relevant experience to the job requirements and desired skills stated above. In addition to applying online on the LANL jobs site, qualified candidates can email a copy of your CV and cover letter, and any questions to Jurgen Schmidt (jschmidt@lanl.gov) and/or Bob Williams (rfw@lanl.gov)
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 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.