Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for an early career Analytical/Radioanalytical Chemist. You will provide technical support for the operations of the Bioassay and Radiological Measurement Laboratories by performing a variety of radiochemical analyses for personnel, workplace, and environmental samples in laboratories accredited by Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) and Mixed Analyte Performance Evaluation Program.  This position is in the Analytical Services and Instrumentation Program in the Technical Services Department of the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Directorate. 

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.  

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. 

You will  

• Provide high quality radiochemical/radiation detection analyses for workplace, personnel, and environmental samples of limited complexity and in support of various LLNL ES&H operations.
• Under general direction, follow existing standard quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) guidelines, identify and report QA/QC issues to management, and make recommendations to develop and implement solutions that are well-defined.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of work performed and report results to ensure compliance with standards, rules and regulations.
• Review and interpret well-defined technical data generated by instrumentation and enter data in the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) databases.
• Analyze performance test and performance evaluation samples using well established and documented methods to maintain external accreditations.
• Implement and document new operating processes and procedures as well as review and revise existing ones while working under general direction.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain chemical processing equipment and analytical instruments, such as ICP-mass spectrometers, gas proportional counters and liquid scintillation counters.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.2 level 

• Collaborate with team lead and team members in the development of new moderately complex to complex radioanalytical procedures.
• Coordinate procurement, installation and set-up of new laboratory instrumentation.
• Update and analyze QC control charts for processes and/or instrumentation under limited direction. 

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry or Radiochemistry, or other scientific technical area, related field or equivalent level of education and relevant experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of analytical or radioanalytical chemistry including chemical processing techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience with processing and analysis of workplace and environmental samples using various analytical/radioanalytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory QA/QC practices, ES&H practices and/or good laboratory practice.
• Effective organizational skills with detail orientated mindset necessary to handle multiple tasks in a demanding environment with conflicting priorities, tight and changing deadlines, unscheduled events, and frequent interruptions while providing high-level customer service and good follow through.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively present, explain, and communicate technical and operational information to peers and supervisors.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills to evaluate and solve problems of limited complexity within scope of prescribed practices and procedures.
• Ability to work under general direction as well as collaboration is a team environment with a broad cross-section of people, including effective interpersonal skills with the ability to handle complex, sensitive, and confidential issues with tact, discretion, and mature judgment. 

Additional qualifications at the TSS.2 level  

• Ability to calibrate and maintain instrumentation and identify moderately complex to complex analytical issues with sample preparation or instrumentation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and broad experience in radiochemical techniques and concepts including radioisotope separations and radiation detection instrumentation. 

Qualifications We Desire 

• Experience applying radioanalytical concepts to moderately complex analytical problems.
• Experience using commercial LIMS/database systems.
• Experience working in an accredited laboratory (e.g. ISO 17025, DOELAP). 

Pay Range: $107,610 - $163,764 Annually 

$107,610 - $136,500 Annually for the TSS.1 level 
$129,150 - $163,764 Annually for the TSS.2 level 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.  

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.