Overview

The Nuclear Material Processing (NMP) group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking an early career chemist to join a team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers working to strengthen national security and advance nuclear science. The ideal candidate will have experience in research of lanthanide or actinide containing chemicals and materials. Experience in synthesis, materials processing and analysis are all desirable. The candidate should have familiarity with analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopies, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron microscopies, or calorimetry measurements. Experience with working with air sensitive or radiological materials is desired but not required.

The successful candidate will work with senior team members as a contributor to the broad program of NMP group research. The candidate’s contributions will derive from their ability to propose technical alternatives on existing projects and efforts, ultimately leading to the development of new proposal concepts. The candidate will work independently to complete recurring assignments and define/lead project work at a small task/project level, reporting results to the larger team on time and within budget. They will be expected to contribute to proposals as well as embrace expectations for quality, safety, and security in all aspects of the job.

Responsibilities

Conducts research of inorganic substances. Analyzes and tests new or existing materials to identify their properties and characteristics for the development or improvement of new or existing products. Studies the relationship between chemical and physical properties.

May specialize in:

Actinide Chemistry: Develops and/or applies chemical techniques to study elements Th, U, Np, Pu, Am, etc. Applies chemical techniques to support investigate chemical, processing, and handling questions.

Inorganic Chemistry: Investigates the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds and materials, which include metals, metal oxides and complexes, both natural and synthetic, as well as main group and organometallic compounds.

Nuclear Chemistry: Studies reactions that take place inside the nucleus of atoms, such as fission and fusion processes including the production of radionuclides, or studies the effects of ionizing radiation on materials, living organisms, and the environment.

Radiochemistry: Develops and/or applies chemical techniques to study naturally occurring and manmade radionuclides and employs chemical concepts for processing irradiated materials. Applies chemical techniques involving radiotracers to investigate chemical, biochemical, or biomedical questions.

Physical Chemistry: Studies how matter behaves at both the molecular and atomic level, how chemical reactions occur, and develop new theories such as how complex structures are formed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-

• MS/MA -OR-

• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Inorganic, radiochemistry, or materials science.

• A research portfolio that includes inorganic wet-chemistry and synthesis, radioisotope separations, or solid-state materials chemistry. Preference is for experience in actinide science.

• Experienced in glove box operations within air or air-free conditions, or equivalent.

• Experience with X-ray diffraction (powder, single crystal), vibrational and optical spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis

• Familiarity with particle size or morphological analysis via dynamic image analysis, and optical or electron microscopy.

• The candidate must be comfortable working independently, within matrixed teams, or in a leadership capacity.

• A track record for planning, conducting, and reporting experimental work is required as evidenced by a growing list of peer-reviewed publications.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The individual must be able/willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials in a nuclear facility.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship

• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

*Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Minimum Salary

USD $85,700.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $125,900.00/Yr.