Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The?Energy and Environment Directorate?delivers?science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The?Nuclear Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, delivers science and technology innovations for the environment, energy, and national security. At a time when complex challenges are emerging on many fronts, we address some of the most challenging national and international nuclear issues. This includes providing technological solutions that protect the public health and safety around nuclear facilities, developing durable new materials for extreme nuclear environments, innovating new nuclear processes for the safety and security of the nation, and delivering new approaches for accelerating environmental cleanup of nuclear sites. The division's capabilities and efforts are focused on environmental management of nuclear sites, nuclear regulatory processes, national nuclear security, and advancing nuclear energy.
Responsibilities
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 cementitious materials. RM is looking to hire a scientist with a background in chemistry or materials science/chemical/engineering science to help meet challenges in nuclear waste immobilization and long-term performance. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to primarily help and plan the testing of various nuclear waste form materials (e.g., cements, glass, ceramics) or in the chemical treatment of nuclear waste or other complex systems.
Responsibilities include:
Developing and executing experimental plans to synthesize and evaluate the performance of various nuclear waste forms and perform studies to understand the aging of this class of materials.
Assisting in the planning of experiments, writing of test plans, production of test samples, performing of experiments, and writing of reports and journal papers.
Opportunities to work with high-end analysis equipment and potentially develop and/or work with equipment specifically designed to obtain defensible data on waste processes and properties.
Cementitious characterization data to be gathered, cataloged, and used for a predictive modeling tool with respect to formulation, processing and final waste form properties will include rheology, calorimetry, ultrasound wave reflection techniques, chemical leaching studies, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy.
Additional analysis methods/waste form properties would also focus on physical characterization (e.g., flexural, compressive & tensile strength, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, etc.).
The successful candidate will:
Work with close supervision from senior engineers and scientists.
Apply a strong disciplined approach to task planning, execution, and reporting.
Be expected to prepare high quality technical reports and presentations that communicate the objective, process, results, and conclusions in a traceable, defensible manner.
Develop tools and software to enhance database management, streamline maintenance processes, and leverage machine learning to predict material properties.
Develop programming solutions to accelerate data analysis, optimize data processing, and improve modeling routines for better prediction accuracy and uncertainty management in material formulation.
Mentor and oversee technicians and students.
Adhere to strict quality, security, and safety requirements.
Work with non-sensitive and sensitive information as appropriate for individual projects and the incumbent should demonstrate an ability to manage sensitive business situations.
Possess the key attributes leading to the determination of upward progression in this career family include technical leadership, organizational leadership, project execution, and technical impact
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA -OR-
PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field; or, Masters in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 5 years of related work or educational experience.
Demonstrated experience in a field relevant to nuclear waste grout properties, formulation, and processing.
Member 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.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Laboratory-based materials synthesis and characterization; potential exposure to hazardous chemicals; potential exposure to controlled levels of ionizing radiation.
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 II to be able to conduct radioactive materials testing in radioactive designated areas.
Additional Information
Not applicable.
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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
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, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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 $97,900.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $146,900.00/Yr.
