Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Nuclear Criticality Safety Graduate Student in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a graduate research assistant (GRA) to support ongoing efforts in criticality safety analyses. The selected student will contribute to the development of a technical document evaluating the use of epoxy in metallography operations within PF-4. This work will involve analyzing the reactivity of small epoxy-mounted samples using computational tools, including MCNP, high-performance computing clusters, and data analysis software. The student will assess the extent to which such samples fall within traditionally considered material limits in PF-4 environments and identify any associated criticality safety concerns. The project will provide opportunities to engage with real-world nuclear facility operations, including entering nuclear facilities and observing metallography processes firsthand. The successful candidate will gain experience in applied nuclear safety analysis while working both independently and collaboratively with NCS staff to support mission-critical research and safety objectives at LANL.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Must be accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution
Must enroll in and receive credit for at least six credit hours each semester, or full-time equivalent
Must initially have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2/4.0
Students in their dissertation/thesis phase must enroll in at least one credit hour until they graduate, or in
a zero credit "continuous enrollment" place holder
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Education/Experience:
Graduate
Must be enrolled (6 semester credit hours or full-time equivalent) in an accredited, degree-granting graduate level program (or international equivalent)
Must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
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.
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.
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.
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.