A great place to work

This is an excellent time to consider employment  with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Because of a maturing Baby Boomer population on the brink of retirement, the Laboratory currently projects more than 2,000 new opportunities will become available between now and 2020. That’s a lot of hiring in a relatively short period of time. A quick trip to our job posting website (www.lanl.gov/careers) shows that many of these opportunities are already available—and they’re not just for scientists with PhDs: Opportunities currently exist in almost every level and area of the Laboratory, including engineering, technical support, business, and operations. 

“Pipeline” programs are also important, and student opportunities abound as well.  Sixty percent of R&D scientists and engineers and 34 percent of managers began their career at the Laboratory as students or postdoctoral researchers. We also have—and will continue to build—partnerships with New Mexico colleges and universities to assist in the development of curricula and paid internships that prepare students for long and exciting Laboratory careers. 

The quality of a career at the Laboratory cannot be understated. We’ve long been considered an international employer of choice, as well as the premier employer in New Mexico. In addition to excellent compensation and benefits, you’ll also find managers and programs that support your continuous professional development. The work is exciting and essential: You’ll work alongside some of the most brilliant minds on the planet solving critical problems of the utmost importance to national and global security. 

Diversity and inclusion are also important. We actively focus on creating a welcoming and engaging work environment that values the fullest possible breadth of different backgrounds and experiences. These differences are what is required to be truly innovative and deliver out-of-this-world science. And although we’re famous for our international community, it should also be noted that 41 percent of our current workforce were born right here in our own diverse New Mexico.

To be considered for a position, candidates must apply online. Because we typically use selection committees with scoring matrixes based on the minimum and desired requirements noted in the job posting, I highly recommend that candidates always include a cover letter addressing each of the requirements individually. This detailed process might create a cover letter that is longer in length than your resume, but it is typical and often expected of successful candidates. By providing such a detailed document, you’ll help committee members and hiring managers understand your skills and experiences better than by review of a resume alone.

If you have any difficulty with the application process, we’re here to help. Candidates can send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov, or call us at 1-505-665-4444, option 1.

I hope you’ll consider a career at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I love working here, and I’m sure you will too!

—C.J. Bacino

Laboratory Diversity Officer and Group Leader

Office of Diversity and Strategic Staffing