Geologist/Microscopist

Overview:

We are seeking a candidate with a background and experience in analytical microscopy, mineralogy, petrology, and/or materials characterization. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team leveraging optical and electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction techniques in support of industrial hygiene monitoring activities for the remediation and decommissioning and deconstruction projects in the historic Oak Ridge corridor.

As part of the materials characterization department, the candidate will also participate in the analysis on non-standard materials, including inorganic compounds, nuclear fuels, petrographic samples, soils, metals and alloys, etc. This position will support industry and local interests for industrial forensics, bench-scale testing and prototyping, and phase/constituent identification of unknown and environmental samples. Strong writing, communication, and time management skills are required, and the candidate will support the department in the routine calibration and statistical evaluation of instrumentation for the in-house quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) program.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

· Operation of analytical instruments, including x-ray diffractometers, scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, phase contrast microscopes, and polarized light microscopes.

· Preparation and analysis of industrial hygiene samples for the monitoring of asbestos and silica exposure.

· Preparation and characterization of petrographic and metallographic samples.

· Compile, present, and report analytical results to team members and clients.

· Communicate frequently and effectively to all team members, across multiple disciplines and backgrounds.

· Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

· Maintain a strong dedication to the implementation, perpetuation of values, and ethics in a laboratory environment.

Basic Qualifications:

· BS in geology, materials science, or other related discipline and at least two years of experience. MS is preferred.

· Experience in a laboratory environment with a focus on analytical science or material characterization .

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience using polarized light microscopy and phase contrast microscopy.

· Experience operating electron microscopes.

· Background and knowledge in mineralogy.

· Experience in preparation and analysis of thin sections for petrographic samples.

· Ability to function well in a fast-paced commercial laboratory environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

· A willingness to learn and develop new skills.

· Experience working in a radiological laboratory.

· Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

· Experience in evaluation and identification of microstructure in metallic or geological samples.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills .

· Experience maintaining experimental and instrumentation records in support of the Quality Programs at a DOD/DOECAP and ISO 17025 accredited facility.

· Knowledge of root cause analysis.

Special Requirements:

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc. (MCLinc), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required, including proof of U.S. citizenship.

Occupational Hazards: This position works with hazardous chemicals and radioactive/contaminated materials, and the worker must properly use personal protective equipment such as safety gloves, safety glasses, lab coat and laboratory fume hoods. He or she should practice appropriate safety protocols.

Training Requirements: Completion of a NIOSH 582 or equivalent course, and asbestos analysis training provided via the in-house training course. Radiological worker level II training handled in-house.

Physical Requirements: This position requires occasional moderate effort or frequent periods of light physical activity. The candidate is required to maintain a safe personal workspace. He or she must regularly engage in frequent communications with other MCLinc employees and the public; read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods, and procedures; write with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech, and stoop and bend to lift tools and equipment

Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc. (MCLinc) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, MCLinc may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person