Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Post Doctorate Research Associate - Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, or related field required within five years or soon to be completed.
  • Experience in radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing is preferred.
  • Familiarity with nuclear simulation software such as MCNP, SCALE, GEANT is beneficial.
  • Strong data analysis skills and experience interpreting complex datasets are essential.
  • Understanding of nuclear physics, especially in radiation detection and measurement.
  • Experience with CFD and Multiphysics software like COMSOL or Ansys is a plus.
  • Proficiency in a programming language, preferably C++ or Python, is desired.

Responsibilities

  • Conducts research and development in nuclear physics and related fields.
  • Engages in complex data-intensive analysis to support nuclear non-proliferation.
  • Designs, models, and prototypes radiation detection systems for domestic and international use.
  • Works collaboratively with the Nuclear Signatures Group on research projects.
  • Explores the emerging area of space security in relation to nuclear signatures.
  • Applies mathematical modeling techniques to support emergency response and safeguards operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
  • Flexible telehealth care options and mental health benefits.
  • Tuition assistance and support for surrogacy, adoption, and fertility services.
  • Generous vacation and paid holiday policy, totaling up to 120 vacation hours annually.
  • Automatic enrollment in a company-funded pension plan and optional 401(k) with company match.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

The Nuclear Signatures Group seeks a postdoctoral scientist to support nuclear non-proliferation research through a combination of mathematical modeling and data analysis. The group focuses on nuclear explosion monitoring, safeguards, emergency response, and arms control, with an emphasis on radiation detection. In addition, space security is an emerging area for the group. Candidates should have some combination of experience in nuclear simulation and analysis involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing. A general aptitude for nuclear physics simulation and strong data analysis skills is essential. Additionally, familiarity or interest with dosimetry, radiation detection systems, detector response modeling, materials modeling, thermal and radiative chemical signatures would be useful. The candidate must be able to conduct independent research as well integrate with and work well in a team.
  • Conducts research and development activities using the theories and principles of physics.
  • Specific research areas range from the structure and properties of matter; electromagnetic system design; nuclear, particle, electromagnetic phenomena.
  • Physicists may design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems deployed internationally and domestically.
  • Physicists routinely engage in complex, data-intensive analysis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, or related nuclear-centric disciplines.
  • Experience involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing.
  • Familiarity with software such as MCNP, SCALE, GEANT, and/or similar nuclear simulation codes.
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting complex data sets.
  • Good understanding of nuclear physics, including radiation detection and measurement.
  • Experience with CFD and Multiphysics simulation software like: COMSOL, Ansys, SimFlow, etc.
  • Experience utilizing artificial intelligence in their work.
  • Experience in or aptitude for a programming language, preferably C++ or Python.
  • Willing to learn new skills and support other nuclear non-proliferation projects as required.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable..

Additional Information

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

Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship

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

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 $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $119,100.00/Yr.

About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts research and development in areas including energy, environment, and national security. PNNL is operated by Battelle Memorial Institute and is located in Richland, Washington. The laboratory was established in 1965 as the Battelle Northwest Laboratory and was renamed to its current name in 1997. PNNL has a staff of over 4,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff, and has an annual budget of over $1 billion. The laboratory has been involved in a number of high-profile projects, including the development of the first artificial heart and the cleanup of the Hanford Site, a decommissioned nuclear production complex.
Learn more about Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1965

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