Chemist

Allegheny Science & Technology (AST) is seeking a Chemist to directly support our Department of Energy (DOE) client in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This position will provide subject matter expertise in the provision of health physics operations, management and training across multiple areas in association with various activities for the Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory (RESL).

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare Mixed-Analyte Performance Evaluation Program (MAPEP) and DOE Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) performance testing materials, including soil, water, vegetation, air filters, synthetic urine and feces, or others as required.  This includes all phases of the preparation process, e.g., collecting or ordering the blank background material and chemicals, the accurate measurement of individual constituents and the blending or other techniques used to produce acceptably homogeneous PT material, subdividing into individual samples, packaging, and shipping.


• Provide sample preparation support to RESL chemists.  This includes providing highly accurate dispensing of sub-samples from larger sample containers by either weight or volume.  It may also include routine counting of samples under the direction of RESL chemists.


• Maintain the inventory of sample containers, shipping materials, and chemicals for the MAPEP and DOELAP programs.  Works with MAPEP coordinator to determine the required number of hazardous shipping containers for MAPEP distributions and works with INL shipping to ensure sufficient resources are available prior to each distribution.  Coordinates with RESL Office Manager to procure reserves of sample containers, shipping materials, and chemicals so shipment of RESL Performance Testing (PT) materials is not delayed.


• Assist chemists in the preparation of radiological and inorganic standards used to prepare PT samples.


• Prepare soil and water samples for inorganic analyses using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) instrumentation using standardized procedures.  The incumbent will be trained for this task.


• Analyze MAPEP samples by ICP-MS and ICP-OES and calculate final concentrations from data sets of various preparations such as: increased solubility digestion, Hydrofluoric acid (HF) digestion, and lithium metaborate fusions. The incumbent will be trained for this task.


• Prepare and verify calibration standards for ICP-MS and ICP-OES instruments.  The incumbent will be trained for this task.


• Performs assigned functions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, rules, and operating procedures relating to the protection of the environment, to the health and safety of RESL workers and the surrounding population, to the protection of property.  For each assigned activity, the employee will perform and monitor quality control in order to meet or exceed acceptable quality level for that performance standard.


• Provides support to other RESL teams at the direction of management.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalency) in related field from an accredited college or university. Must have a minimum of 5 years of related experience. Advanced degrees may be substituted for required years of experience.


• Must have experience working in a DOE environment; excellent written and communication skills; working knowledge of word-processing and integrated software applications; management and organizational skills and ability to perform detail-oriented work.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong management and organizational skills and ability to perform detail-oriented work.


• Ability to read and interpret documents.


• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office Suite.


• Demonstrated skill working in a fast-paced environment with a high level of comfort with multitasking and rapidly shifting priorities.