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?Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.
Responsibilities
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Data Scientist 1 to join the Applied Decision Systems & Analytics Group within the Earth Systems Science Division (ESSD) . This team develops advanced data analytics, modeling, and computational solutions to address complex challenges in energy systems, environmental modeling, and earth sciences.
As a Data Scientist 1, you will apply data science techniques to large-scale scientific datasets, develop machine learning models, and create reproducible workflows that support research in climate, energy, and environmental domains. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals to contribute to impactful projects that advance national energy and environmental goals.
Data Preparation & Analysis: Clean, transform, and integrate structured and unstructured datasets from environmental and energy systems domains.
Modeling & Algorithms: Implement supervised and unsupervised learning methods (classification, regression, clustering) using industry-standard libraries.
Visualization & Reporting: Build effective visualizations and dashboards; communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders through clear narratives and reproducible reports.
Software & Reproducibility: Develop well-structured, documented code; use version control (Git) and adhere to reproducible research practices.
Collaboration: Work within multidisciplinary teams; contribute to project planning, documentation, and regular status updates.
Continuous Learning: Stay current with data science tools, libraries, and best practices; adopt laboratory standards for security, data stewardship, and scientific integrity.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA or higher
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Data Science or Computer Science
Technical Skills: Foundational experience with at least one high-level programming language (e.g., Python or R) for data analysis/modeling, plus SQL for data access.
Core Knowledge: Understanding of statistical concepts (e.g., distributions, hypothesis testing) and basic machine learning workflows (data splitting, evaluation metrics, model validation).
Communication: Ability to present analysis clearly, write concise documentation, and collaborate in diverse teams.
Experience with SQL, database management systems, and numerical/scientific computing libraries such as NumPy and SciPy.
Experience developing software for data analysis, statistical workflows, and system quality engineering, including work with older or legacy codebases while preserving functionality and improving quality.
Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git) and modern front end frameworks such as ReactJS, Svelte, or Angular.
Strong data wrangling, cleaning, and preprocessing skills, with the ability to produce clear visualizations using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly, or Tableau.
Understanding of supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques and experience with frameworks such as scikit learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
Knowledge of statistical methods, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
Exposure to big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Dask) and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Experience applying data science or machine learning methods to scientific research, particularly in energy or environmental domains.
Understanding of data provenance frameworks to ensure traceability and reproducibility in large scale workflows.
Familiarity with AI technologies and their application to code refactoring, generation, and enhancement to improve software reliability and structure.
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non technical audiences and to contribute in multidisciplinary research teams.
Coursework or certifications in data science, machine learning, or statistics.
Familiarity with DOE or national laboratory research environments.
Understanding of key concepts related to nuclear incident preparation and response.
Curiosity and a problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and data quality.
Commitment to scientific integrity, reproducibility, and responsible AI/data use.
Flexibility to learn new domains, tools, and methods quickly.
Collaboration-first approach with strong organizational skills.
Capacity to work autonomously on technical challenges.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
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 with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot 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, 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 $90,600.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $144,700.00/Yr.
