Job Description (show details...)

Summary

Provides technical support for activities including research, analysis, development, design, assembly, modification, oversight, repair, and maintenance of a wide variety of equipment used in experimental work (e.g. electro/mechanical apparatus, optical devices, analytical instrumentation, gloveboxes,  lasers, radiographic equipment, high vacuum and pressure systems, and experimental diagnostics). Specific duties may include:  technical support for or conduct of experimental work in materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, geoscience; computational work; instrumentation installation, hookups, data acquisition;  fabrication, assembly, inspection, testing, analytical instrumentation; fielding of experimental diagnostics, ancilliary systems and related hardware; analyzing or validating results and reporting data. May work in areas involving high consequences for safety with limited supervision; e.g. chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, high explosives, high-power lasers, accelerators, high-energy devices, gas guns, and X-ray systems. Work may be directly related to national security objectives, requiring the individual to protect and maintain sensitive or classified information.  The job may require a Department of Energy (DOE) or other agency security clearance.  Responsibilities often develop into greater depth of knowledge in one functional area, or knowledge in more than one functional area, as one moves up in job level. Possesses demonstrated knowledge and advanced skills in technical specialty and one or more relevant compentencies.  Often contributes to the development of  new procedures and protocols.

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
2. Completes necessary training to perform all tasks safely.
3. Understands and adheres to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and governance specific to experimental activities.
4. Ensures all work, materials, processes and final product meet quality specifications and are completed according to established requirements.
5. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
6. Conducts technical work in the laboratory space or work area, as directed by or discussed with supervisor.  Records procedures, equipment, parameters used in technical work; captures findings and data.  Independently analyzes findings and data, develops preliminary interpretation of results, summarizes outcomes, and plans next stages of technical work. 
7. Performs work at an advanced technician level. Contributes to the development of new  procedures and protocols.  Works under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives.  Assignments may be self-initiated.

Job Knowledge

• Work to technical objectives of assignments.
• Work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior.
• Investigate alternative approaches as appropriate.
• Recommend solutions to problems affecting project requirements.
• Knowledge and implementation of required safety, security, and quality assurance practices for the work assignment, including calibration concepts and protocols as appropriate.
• In addition, all research technicians Level 5 have advanced skills in one or more of the following:
• Technical work, such as chemical synthesis; chemical, biological, radiological materials handling; analytical procedures and methodology; materials characterization or testing; optical and laser systems; data acquisition systems; cryogenics; vacuum systems; pressure systems; fiber optics; electronic imaging; solid-state electronic design and assembly; mechanical systems; etc.
• Specialized training and knowledge for working in hazardous environments such as those involving high explosives, radiological or fissile materials, accelerators, lasers, pulse power or high energy systems, etc.
• Test and design, such as reading drawings and schematics, using digital test equipment, data analysis, electromagnetic shielding, high-speed data acquisition systems and software, ultrafast timing techniques, etc..
• Knowledge in computers, computer programming, and / or software applications used in R&D job function.
• May have formal training or experience machining a variety of materials with lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws, and other industrial apparatus.

Education

• Position typically requires an associate’s degree in a relevant field and six-to-ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  A bachelor’s degree is usually preferred.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

• Receives minimal functional and operational direction from research and development (R&D) supervisor.

B. Supervision Exercised

• Provides functional and operational direction to R&D support and clerical staff, if assigned. May act as lead and review activities of other technical employees.

C. Contacts

• Laboratory management, engineers, scientists, technicians and other facility personnel. Contacts may include technical personnel from other scientific laboratories and contractors, throughout the DOE complex, in industry, DoD laboratories, and universities.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.