Responsibilities

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) at PNNL seeks a post-master's research associate to work at the forefront of data acquisition, instrument control, and data processing for PNNL's unique spatial and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technologies. The successful candidate will help streamline the entire path from instrument control and raw data capture through to analysis-ready results, directly enabling high-throughput (HTP) experiments that would otherwise be limited by acquisition and data-processing bottlenecks.

This is a data-facing role at the interface of instrumentation and computation: the candidate will work closely with mass spectrometry scientists to understand acquisition workflows, then build and refine the processing pipelines, scripts, and tools needed to handle large batches of imaging data efficiently. The candidate is also expected to write and improve software that enhances the data acquisition process itself, not just downstream processing - for example, tools that streamline instrument control, automate acquisition steps, or improve data quality at the point of capture. By removing these bottlenecks, the candidate will help unlock EMSL's ability to advance research in microbial, environmental, and human health biology at scale.

Modern AI tools are a core part of how this work gets done. The candidate is expected to be comfortable using large language model assistants such as Claude, ChatGPT, and other frontier AI models to accelerate coding, data exploration, documentation, and troubleshooting.

** Position is ONSITE ONLY, and located in Richland, WA.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, data science, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry data analysis.
• Scripting/programming experience (e.g., Python) for data processing, pipeline development, and instrument acquisition software.
• Working knowledge of how to use AI frontier models (Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) to support technical work.
• Experience handling or processing large, high-throughput datasets.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary and/or inter-institutional teams.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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.

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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 $80,500.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $104,700.00/Yr.