Responsibilities

The Analytical Chemistry & Instrumentation Group conducts fundamental and applied research resulting in new capabilities in trace element and radionuclide detection, environmental assessment and remediation, treaty verification, and proliferation detection and prevention. The group applies a broad range of instrument and method development knowledge, specialized chemical separation methods, and advanced spectrometric technologies in support of national security clients. Staff are typically involved in multiple projects, which enables each person to contribute to basic science studies as well as the applied missions of the Group. Staff use highly developed processes, specialized methods, and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation to perform work that spans the spectrum of basic science to applied analytical services. Research areas include radiochemistry, nuclear materials chemistry and analysis, instrument development, and nuclear and materials signatures. Much of the analytical services work that is performed requires measuring radionuclides at trace levels.

PNNL is seeking a qualified earth scientist with isotope geochemistry and mass spectrometry expertise to participate in a wide variety of research and development efforts involving analytical chemistry for characterization, and quantitative and forensic analysis of nuclear material in environmental matrices using a variety of heavy isotope mass spectrometry methods. The incumbent should have a growing record of independent contributions to research programs and possess the ability to interact with dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams. This position will include both experimental and theoretical studies, with applications including national and homeland security, nuclear nonproliferation, and nuclear material detection and characterization. Both independently and in collaboration with project teams, the position will support a range of US government and private clients. The research group seeking to fill this position supports a number of critical national security missions along with missions relating to environmental monitoring, medical isotope production, next-generation nuclear fuel cycles, and international nuclear safeguards and treaty monitoring. Projects within the research group range from highly applied projects in support of the U.S. Government to fundamental projects in the areas of nuclear science and novel technology exploration.

Responsibilities include sample prep and characterization using a wide variety of isotope mass spectrometry techniques, along with work planning, data analysis, report writing, and presenting results/participation in routine sponsor meetings and working group discussions. Experience working with chemicals in a trace chemical laboratory setting is required. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work both with minimal supervision and within teams are required. Incumbent must have excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability for meticulous, reproducible work and documentation. Experience working in clean rooms, with radioactive materials, trace or micro chemistry techniques, chemical separations, and mass spectrometry is desired. Experience with quantitative and instrumental analysis, isotope ratio, or geochronometric techniques is also desired.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with isotope geochemistry, heavy isotope mass spectrometry, and radiochemical sample processing.
• Previous experience at National Labs and DOE
• Ability to contribute significantly in ways that affect the direction of research teams in a given technical area and building a recognizable signature at PNNL.
• Ability to build networks across the ACAI group and NCBT division.
• Ability to execute research tasks independently and recommend technical approaches within multi-disciplinary teams to produce cutting-edge research.
• Experience with sample preparation.
• Experience working in production environment.
• Experience in instrument and laboratory maintenance.
• Active Q clearance.

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.