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Join the Chemistry Division

The Chemistry Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for exceptional scientists, students, and staff to advance scientific understanding, boost technological innovation, and support missions in national security. Chemistry Division uses state-of-the-art chemical science and technology to support the Laboratory’s national security mission in areas of weapons science, threat reduction, energy security, biosecurity and preparedness, and the environment.

Our researchers collaborate across several groups and other divisions, along with partnerships in academia and industry, to solve complex problems with a diversity of skillsets and expertise. Complex problems are rarely solved by a narrow set of skills. Chemistry Division strives to support diversity and epitomize multidisciplinary science. Our collaborations allow us to leverage diverse and unique capabilities to solve problems of national security.

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About the Chemistry Division 

Chemistry Division has historic origins, born out of the Manhattan Project in 1943 as one of the four original divisions at Los Alamos’ Project Y. Over the decades, the division has grown to encompass five groups — Actinide Analytical Chemistry; Chemical Diagnostics & Engineering; Inorganic, Isotope, and Actinide Chemistry; Nuclear and Radiochemistry; and Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy.

Together, the division provides world-class capabilities in chemical analysis and certification, isotope science and production, synthetic and mechanistic chemistry, spectroscopy and detection science, data analysis and modeling, the chemistry of actinides and radionuclides, and the chemistry of materials.

Our capabilities and contributions are part of what makes the Department of Energy a science, technology, and engineering powerhouse for the nation.  The Chemistry Division has several employment opportunities available to support this mission at all levels.

As part of our chemistry team, you'll enjoy an excellent benefits package, as well as an extraordinary life in Northern New Mexico. We offer a generous relocation package.

  • Scientists

    Scientists conduct experimental and technical research in support of the Laboratory’s missions — applying scientific principles, developing novel techniques, and analyzing outcomes of theoretical or experimental research. Scientists lead R&D activities to develop solutions for the nation’s most complex problems.

  • Postdoctoral Researchers

    Postdoctoral Researchers perform research in a robust scientific R&D environment, advance knowledge in basic and applied science, and strengthen national scientific and technical capabilities. Postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to share new ideas and approaches, challenging colleagues to work at the cutting edge.

  • Research Technicians & Technologists

    Research Technologists interface directly with staff scientists to carry out collaborative work and mentor more junior lab workers. Technologists operate analytical instruments, analyze experimental data, and solve technical problems in support of Lab missions. Research Technicians perform hands-on work, prioritizing safety and security to conduct experiments and produce data. Technicians conduct foundational work to advance scientific understanding that propel research in support of national security.

  • Professional Staff

    Professional Staff provide critical support that empowers researchers to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions. Professional staff take the initiative to overcome daily challenges and help coordinate large-scale projects to ensure division operations continue smoothly.

Students

Students from high school through graduate school contribute in meaningful ways to the Lab’s chemistry efforts. Working with scientific, technical, and professional staff to accomplish the mission setting students up for future career success.

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We asked Tanya, a Laboratory Technician with the Chemistry Division, what excites her about working at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

We asked Hannah, a Graduate Student with the Chemistry Division, to tell us about her research group and their projects at LANL.

We asked Marcos, a Graduate Student with the Chemistry Division, what he enjoys about being a student at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

We asked Elaine, Staff Operations Manager with the Chemistry Division, to tell us about her role at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

We asked Peter, a Group Leader with the Chemistry Division, what he appreciates about working at Los Alamos National Laboratory.