Trace Isotope Geochemical Analyst

Job Description

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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver solutions to address complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

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.

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 H

Requirements

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.