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Working at NLR

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The BEST directorate is seeking a full-time Research Technician to support research across multiple projects and multiple offices, including DOE and DOW projects. The successful candidate will assist in the day-to-day research and development activities in catalysis, synthesis, and separation laboratories. This is a fast-paced, dynamic, and growing research environment, with passionate, mission-driven, and diverse team members. Adaptability and an aptitude for learning are critical in this role.

Our team brings together a wide range of technical expertise and experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of advancing understanding at the intersection of fundamental science and industrial application. The primary goal of this position is to provide researchers within our group the support necessary to safely achieve their cutting-edge research.

The Research Technician (Operate) will support research through a variety of activities including but not limited to:

•     Operation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of bench-scale high-pressure reactor systems and other equipment related to chemistry and process science researchSample production, processing, and analysis
•     Modification, fabrication/assembly, and installation of research equipment for unique experimentsWet chemistry experimentation
•     Writing/updating safety documentation, including operating procedures, equipment logs, technical drawings, management of change documentationOn-boarding new equipment through design, procurement, safety assessments, and commissioning 
•     Assisting with maximizing lab space by working with Environmental Health and Safety, Research Operations, and other key functional teamsAdvancing safe laboratory practices through daily research activities
•     Assisting with monthly and quarterly reporting requirements for funding agenciesPresenting results in a concise, organized, and meaningful way

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  Basic Qualifications

  High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of specialized focused support functions. Complete acquaintance with and understanding of the general and detailed aspects of the supported activities, and their practical applications to problems and situations ordinarily encountered. Proficient in research techniques and practices. Solid communication, interpersonal, project management and customer relations skills.

  * Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

  Additional Required Qualifications

  The successful candidate will:

•     Be well organized and focus on attention to detail, exemplified by detailed lab notes, accurate data collection and thorough analysisHave strong multi-tasking and time management skills
•     Experience working with basic installation tools (e.g. wrenches, drills, pliers, clamps, levels, and screwdrivers)Embody a strong safety culture including dedication to a clean and organized work area
•     Good written and verbal communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skillsFamiliarity with basic chemistry equipment, glassware, and procedures
•     Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsBe self-motivated
•     Basic understanding of hazardous gas/liquid/waste material handling and chemical reactionsBe adaptable and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning

  Preferred Qualifications

  •* Fabricating and designing custom equipment

  •* Familiarity/experience with pipe thread, compression (Swagelok and Valco), VCR, VCO, and flange/gasket connections

  •* Understanding of materials of construction (strength, pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, thermal/electrical conductivity)

  •* Experience with chemical safety and in handling toxic or flammable gases or liquids, including experience working with compressed hydrogen gas

  •* Experience working with compressed gases and general knowledge of pressure safety

  •* Experience with chemical reactor operation

  •* Experience reviewing designs of new equipment, interpreting P&IDs of new systems and changes to existing equipment and systems

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  Job Application Submission Window

  The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

  Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

  Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500

  NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

  Benefits Summary

  Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

  * Based on eligibility rules

  Badging Requirement

  NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

  Drug Free Workplace

  NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

  If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

  Submission Guidelines

  Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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  Equal Opportunity Employer

  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

  Reasonable Accommodations

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  E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.