Lab Analyst Nuclear- 2016

JOB DESCRIPTION Working Hours:Â 12 hour shifts
1st week:Â Wednesday - Friday 7am - 7pm
2nd week:Â Monday & Tuesday 7am - 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am - 7pm

Schedule to repeat

Tentative Start:Â ASAP


POSITION DESCRIPTION:  Chemet Lab Analysts perform various duties necessary in carrying out the testing and analytical functions of the Lab, including but not limited to training, directing and overseeing the work of others when needed.  They frequently work without direct technical supervision and are responsible for a wide variety of Lab operations including:  sample analyses, instrument calibrations, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance support, mathematical calculations, data management and record keeping, reagent preparation, supply inventories, and housekeeping and safety.  Work involves use of manual and automated instruments/devices often controlled by microprocessors and computers.  Detecting and diagnosing equipment malfunctions is a critical part of the job.  A thorough understanding of the technical content of the work is required to enable analyses to make interpretations and evaluations when necessary.Â

• 1.  Lab Analysts must obtain certification for all assigned job functions and demonstrate the capability to perform at least three (2) of the tasks identified within the relevant sub-specialty category, as well as any unique or newly introduced analyses and tests as they arise. Lab Analysts is also responsible for maintaining active certification by completing all required re-certification activities as they become due.

Mass Spectrometric Analyses

Determine the isotopic content of uranium by wet chemical preparation techniques and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Determine the total uranium content of selected process solutions as well as the concentrations of trace elemental impurities in uranium materials using ICPMS techniques and equipment.  Operation of ICPMS units requires a basic understanding of mass spectrometry, radiofrequency plasma generation systems, and the ability to recognize electronic and sample introduction problems as they develop.

Successful operation of these systems also requires the ability to interrogate, enter commands and initiate subroutines in host computers and complex equipment process control devices.  For proper system troubleshooting, an understanding of the operational logic sequences and control devices for each lab system is necessary.

 Wet Chemistry Analyses

Determine by various Wet Chemistry methods (titrimetric, gravimetric, colorimetric, chromatographic, etc.) the chemical composition and impurities in uranium materials and various metallic samples.  Knowledge of standard Wet Chemistry techniques and equipment is essential.

Set up, operate and troubleshoot vacuum equipment and associated gas analyzer systems used for determining the volatile contents of fuel pellets and the pressure/composition of the atmosphere inside fuel rods.  Knowledge of gas chromatographs and vacuum systems and their troubleshooting and maintenance is essential.

Determine various element concentrations in uranium oxide and metal samples using Horiba analyzers or other analytical devices.  Operation and maintenance of this equipment requires a working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems including induction furnaces, gas manifolds, power supplies, etc.

Environmental Analyses

Perform a wide variety of determinations using several different analytical techniques to assure compliance with regulatory standards regarding employee safety and environmental protection.  Extreme accuracy and precision in analytical technique and record keeping is required.

2. Operation of laboratory mechanical equipment common to sub-specialty area such as centrifuge, vacuum
pump, oven, gas regulator valves and waste sump pumps or cut off machines, drill press, grinders and metrology tools is required.  Problem identification and troubleshooting of this equipment is necessary.

3. Use of proper precision laboratory techniques such as pipetting, titrating, analytical weighings, making quantitative transfers, and preparing volumetric dilutions is required.  Techniques such as sample encapsulation, heat-treating, hardness testing, chemical and thermal etching, and digital image analysis are also essential.

4. The Lab Analyst must be able to operate the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and the instrument control computers of a variety of types that are routinely used for the collection, analysis, storage, and retrieval of data from various reference standards and process samples run throughout the lab.  Analysts must be capable of utilizing complex electrical controllers, data handling devices, and computers.

5. In order to maximize support to shop operations, the Lab Analyst is required to progress in knowledge of appropriate production-floor processes.  At a minimum, the importance of routine lab samples in process control and product acceptability must be clearly understood.

6. Monitoring all lab equipment performance and responding to out-of-control/alarm conditions, carrying out preventative maintenance activities, recognizing equipment malfunctions and accomplishing simple repairs or corrections must be performed on a continuing basis.  This work requires the ability to read, interpret, and understand complex instruction manuals, engineering drawings and schematics, and interactive software programs.

7. Accurate recording of process sample and standards data in manual and computer based logs for reliable distribution of this data to others is an essential part of the job.  Conversion between metric and English measurement systems may be required as part of test evaluation and/or data reporting.

8. The Lab Analyst must participate in the maintenance of a current spare parts and supplies inventory.  This activity includes routine checking of stock levels, placing material requests, making on site trips to get supplies, and recommending changes in stock levels or items.

9. Preparation of reagents and standards using appropriate laboratory techniques and knowledge of proper reference material storage requirements are routine parts of the job for all Analysts and may constitute the prime responsibilities for some Analysts.

10. The Lab Analyst must be responsible for keeping the laboratory facility neat and orderly in accordance with good housekeeping practices and participating in regular facility inspections.

11. Analysts must have excellent verbal and written communication skills because frequent interaction with requestors of lab services is required.

12. Industrial and nuclear safety rules and safe practices must be observed at all times.  The Lab Analyst is responsible for keeping current his/her personal safety training.  Questions and concerns about safety issues must be communicated immediately to lab management's attention.

13. Performance of other duties not covered by this job description but within the scope of the lab's objectives (e.g. method development, capability studies, reviewing and revising procedures, training and overseeing other analysts, etc.) may be required.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.