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 Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy's goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.
Responsibilities
The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group within the Energy Processes & Materials Division at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Chief Materials Scientist to lead the technical direction and to advance research and development in magnetic materials for next-generation energy, electronics, and quantum technologies. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a world-class, interdisciplinary research program that is pushing the envelope on next-generation functional materials manufacture for a variety of energy technology applications. PNNL's research in this area seeks to understand the underpinning physics of soft and hard magnetic materials, subject to composition and various processing methods, and translate that understanding to application. An emphasis is on how emerging process technologies like Solid-Phase Processing (SPP) can be used to synthesize bulk materials with enhanced magnetic properties, while reducing or eliminating the need for rare-earth elements. This highly accomplished researcher has deep expertise in magnetic materials, functional materials, electrification technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will lead research initiatives from mine-to-metal-to-functional devices , focusing on rare-earth and rare-earth-free magnets, soft and hard ferrites, and magnetic composites for power electronics and defense applications. As a Chief Scientist, you will provide technical leadership and expertise to existing research efforts and collaborate with stakeholders to define and shape future research programs. Working with research teams and other business leaders, in collaboration with partners in industry, academia, and at other national laboratories, you will lead efforts to build new, high-visibility research programs that leverage advanced concepts in ferromagnetic materials and SPP methods to meet the technology goals of the Department of Energy and other key stakeholders.
This role requires a strong foundation in materials science, physics, and manufacturing operations , with demonstrated excellence in research and innovation. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a world-class interdisciplinary team driving innovation in magnetic materials design, synthesis, and application. Our research aims to understand the fundamental physics of magnetism and microstructural evolution in advanced materials and translate that knowledge into scalable manufacturing platforms for high-performance magnets and magnetic components.
As a Chief Materials Scientist, you will also have significant responsibility for supporting the development and growth of the magnetic and functional materials capability at PNNL, including defining and validating new, stakeholder-relevant applications; proposing and advocating for strategic equipment acquisitions; recommending new hires; and mentoring junior to mid-career staff on the team. The successful candidate will have a clear reputation as a national expert in the design, processing, and application of ferromagnetic materials and demonstrate an understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the potential for innovative methods to enable the scalable manufacture of high-performance magnetics. They must be adept at translating Department of Energy and other stakeholder needs for advanced materials to funded research programs that effectively leverage PNNL capabilities to meet sponsor goals. They will be an accomplished communicator with a track record of delivering effective and compelling written and oral communications to a broad range of audiences. They will have demonstrated a high level of success in developing a research program and new research capabilities over the course of their career.
The researcher will:
Continue to expand an already established technical reputation through application of science and engineering principles and theories, and develop technical approaches to solve challenges;
Provide strategy, technical leadership, and expertise in magnetic materials research, including hard/soft magnets, nanostructured alloys, magnetic composites, and rare-earth-free systems for high-performance systems.
Advance mine-to-magnet and mine-to-metal-to-device workflows for critical material supply chains.
Lead efforts in metallurgy processing and c ritical materials recovery.
Define and shape future research programs in collaboration with internal teams, industry partners, academia, and government agencies.
Lead efforts to build new, high-visibility research programs aligned with Department of Energy and other stakeholder goals.
Mentor junior and mid-level scientists for career development and establishing a safety culture in lab operations, recommend strategic hires, and guide technical development in growth areas.
Advocate for strategic equipment acquisitions and capability growth.
Translate stakeholder needs into funded research programs leveraging organizational strengths.
Communicate effectively through publications, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD with 10+ years of research or industrial experience in magnetic and functional materials.
Established research record in magnetic property-microstructure-performance relationships.
Experience managing large, complex research projects and building multidisciplinary teams.
Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships at the highest levels across multiple organizations/agencies and to leverage those relationships to further Laboratory research goals and increase business volume.
Demonstrated success in building high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams of theorists, technology developers, and application domain experts to conduct high technical risk, pioneering research and development.
Demonstrated leadership in the subject area with a strong publication and patent record.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
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 $173,400.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $274,100.00/Yr.
