FIB/SEM Electron Microscopy Research Technologist Job at Los Alamos National Lab
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States, 87544
FIB/SEM Electron Microscopy Research Technologist
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Materials Science in Radiation and Dynamics Extremes (MST-8) group at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks outstanding candidates with strong theoretical background and practical experience in the application of dual-beam Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) to prepare ultra-high-quality samples for Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscopy (S/TEM). As a Research Technologist 2 or 3 (depending on experience) in the electron microscopy laboratory (EML) in MST-8, you will help run the day-to-day operations of the EML, contribute to electron microscopy-based technique development and help integrate electron microscopy-based methods into a variety of programs at LANL.
About MST-8
The MST-8 group provides expertise and facilities for characterizing, understanding and modeling the relationships between materials properties and their underlying structures. The EML is based in the Materials Science Laboratory and includes an Apreo SEM, Apreo2 SEM, Inspect-F SEM, Helios 600 dual-beam Ga+ FIB/SEM, Helios G5 dual-beam Xe+ PFIB/SEM, image-corrected Titan 80-300 S/TEM and Spectra Ultra probe-corrected S/TEM.
Responsibilities:
Research Technologist 2 ($92,300 - $151,000):
- Help run day-to-day operations of the electron microscopy facility
- Train qualified users on dual-beam FIB/SEMs
- Provide routine maintenance of the electron microscopes and the coordination of service visits
- Maintain compliance with safety, security and environmental regulations
- Train, guide and mentor users to consistently prepare high-quality HR-S/TEM samples via FIB
- Serve as a subject matter expert within a team to help guide the future development of capabilities in the EML to serve the needs of the diverse user base across LANL
- Contribute to intellectual property such as patents, technical reports and relevant publications in scientific journals
Research Technologist 3 ($101,700 - $168,200):
- Contribute to the development of new techniques, methods and experimental designs to help solve problems across a variety of subject areas
- Train, guide and mentor users to consistently prepare high-quality S/TEM samples via FIB and conventional methods including dimpling, ion polishing and twin-jet electro polishing
- Train, guide and mentor users to prepare high-quality samples for various TEM in-situ experimental methods via FIB including nano-mechanical testing, gas-cell reactions, electrical biasing and heating/cooling experiments
- Utilize FIB-based methods to prepare samples for and conduct SEM in-situ micro/nanomechanical experiments and the collection of datasets for 3D microstructural characterization
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and 5+ years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience
- A background in electron microscopy and microanalysis, including instrument maintenance and operations
- Proven expertise in dual-beam FIB/SEM operations
- Experience training electron microscopists ranging in abilities from novice to expert
- Experience with the preparation of high-quality TEM specimens
- Experience preparing bulk samples for electron microscopy
- Strong mechanical, electrical and related skills to meet the needs for day-to-day operations of our extensive microscopy facilities
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with managing daily laboratory operations
- Ability to obtain a "Q" clearance, which normally requires US citizenship
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with the preparation of high-quality TEM specimens from a broad array of material types
- Experience with fundamental TEM operation, theory and data analysis
- Experience providing direction, guidance and training to laboratory users in microscopy facility-specific technical procedures
- Experience with advanced analytical electron microscopy methods including XEDS, EBSD, TKD, S/TEM and/or FIB-based serial-cross-section analyses
- Experience operating image- and/or probe-aberration corrected S/TEMs
- Strong data analysis skills focused on the big-data problems of modern electron microscopy
We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence
Los Alamos National Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and achievement. It's one of the reasons we attract world-class talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional development, work/life balance and a diverse and inclusive team foster lasting career satisfaction. Our onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness and breastfeeding facilities, education assistance and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to providing our people with all they need for personal and professional growth. Northern New Mexico offers an abundance of wildlife, culture and adventures, including hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. Learn why Los Alamos has been rated #3 in the Best Counties to Live in the USA.
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(IRC135037)
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 regards 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.
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