ResponsibilitiesCandidate must have a strong background in their major field of study, the ability to work independently with little supervision, and an interest in working with others as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers addressing challenges with national and international impact.
Staff will support multiple projects developing radiation probe and detection solutions for domestic and international partners. Position encompasses research, testing, evaluation, and analysis of radiation signatures and detection systems across the technology readiness scale. Work will range from benchtop experiments to field work on large-scale industrial radiation detection systems.
Routine position activities cover:
- Carrying out research on radiation detection technologies, analyze and characterize radiation signatures, and support interdiction, nonproliferation, and nuclear incident response missions across multiple technical areas.
- Radiation detection test and analysis activity planning, and associated document development.
- Laboratory and field test/experiment setup and execution.
- Data analysis and peer reviews.
- Preparation of deliverables that may include data packages, written reports, or briefs.
- Analyzing datasets associated with x-ray or gamma detection, and providing input that may include technical assessment, failure analysis, or equipment analysis.
- Developing documentation for operating x-ray or gamma detection systems, or providing SME review of documentation.
- Reviewing and providing input on the design, hardware, troubleshooting, or maintenance of radiation detection and x-ray systems.
- Performing modeling & simulation through physics simulation software, and providing analysis and interpretation of simulation output.
- Assessing the signatures and fields created from radioactive materials by measurements or simulations.
- Reviewing and providing input into emerging standards or regulations involving radiation or radioactive materials.
- Providing support for activities that assist clients in developing radiation detection missions, test and evaluation capability, better operations, or best practices for radiation detection.
- Preparation of deliverables that may include hardware samples, data, written reports, or briefs.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related technical field and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related technical field -OR-
- PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in Physics with nuclear/applied nuclear physics specialization and a focus in x-ray, gamma and neutron radiation detection, or PhD in Nuclear Engineering with a focus in x-ray, gamma and neutron radiation detection.
- At least 2 years of experience in radiation spectroscopy and detector systems (alpha/beta/gamma).
- At least 2 years of experience with radiation imaging and analysis.
- Experience with commercial and lab-developed x-ray imaging systems.
- Experience with commercial and/or open source image-display and analysis software and ionizing-radiation-transport simulation frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of x-ray and gamma-ray physics for imaging and attenuation analysis.
- Demonstrated understanding of AI models and ability to apply agentic tools to data-analysis problems.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicable.
Additional InformationThis 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 PositionThis 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.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees 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 ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $100,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $150,200.00/Yr.
