Overview

The Nuclear Sciences Division within the Energy & Environment Directorate at PNNL is currently seeking a materials scientist or similar who possess an understanding of nuclear waste glass properties, formulation, and processing to join its Radiological Materials group.

The Radiological Materials (RM) group at PNNL is a world leader in development and testing of materials for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes. Specific areas of noted expertise are in formulation, synthesis, and characterization of vitreous and ceramic materials. RM is looking to hire a Scientist/Engineer (SE3) with a background in materials science/chemical/engineering science to help develop and advance formulations of waste forms and processes to immobilize nuclear wastes. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to plan, execute scope, evaluate data, and document/publish results. An emphasis will be placed on developing stable waste forms and their physical and chemical properties to develop advanced glass, glass ceramic waste forms capable of immobilizing nuclear wastes.

This is an exciting time to join a well-known group at PNNL. We have active scope in novel materials and processes, projects supporting the long-term cleanup mission at Hanford, and work directly with the Engineering and Operations staff who are presently starting up the Vitrification Plant at Hanford. There is opportunity to learn from and work with established experts who have been working in this field for decades while building a team for the future with peers and some of the brightest early career staff all gathered in one place.

Responsibilities

The SE3 candidate will have technical expertise in materials development, proposal development, and project execution. They will be a fully competent scientist/engineer with ability to select and apply principles, theories and concepts and contribute to science and technology solutions in the conventional aspects within the discipline specialty, and function as a principal investigator (PI) or Co-PI on multiple or significant projects or tasks. Will direct technical projects or tasks that may involve multi-disciplinary activities in this field. Other responsibilities include:

• Leadership and mentorship of a team of junior scientists, engineers and technicians in identification and application of material synthesis, characterization, performance evaluation and management of engineered nuclear materials (e.g. waste forms and targets).

• Publication of key scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.

• Presentation of scientific work at professional conferences including participating in professional societies (e.g. session chair responsibilities) at the regional and national level.

• Accountable to relevant product line managers and technical group manager for project development, execution and closure.

• Identify and document intellectual property.

• Work with members of technical and management teams to lead proposals with an approximate value of $300 - $500K/year that are directed at meeting business sector and contribution plan targets.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-

• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-

• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 6 years of related work or educational experience; or, Masters in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 7 years of related work or educational experience

• Establishing leadership role in a professional society/community

• Knowledge of NQA-1 Quality Assurance requirements and a demonstrated ability to apply quality assurance principles to test planning, execution and documentation of testing and analysis activities

• A well-established research reputation with multiple professional achievements. Have a strong publication record, including authoring multiple reports and publications, and delivering invited presentations at relevant technical conferences

• Demonstrated success in developing solutions to technical problems and managing technical projects with values in excess of $300K

• Ability to effectively communicate within a team environment and through presentation of technical work to senior scientists, management and external peers and clients

• Demonstrated success at proposal development and securing external funding via proposal submissions

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• High temperature laboratory-based materials synthesis and characterization

• Experimental work involves exposure radiological materials and environment and typical laboratory chemicals and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards

• Would need to become a Radiological Worker to be able to lead and oversee radioactive materials testing in radioactive designated areas

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)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $117,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $185,100.00/Yr.