Nuclear Detection and Data Scientist (National Security)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

About The Position

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 the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials. This position will reside in the Applied Radiation Detection Group, Nuclear Chemical and Biological Technologies Division of the National Security Directorate. The Applied Radiation Detection (ARD) Group is focused on the research and development of radiation-detection-based technologies for important end users including in-field and lab-based measurement systems.

Requirements

BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance
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).

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics; will also consider candidates possessing a Ph.D. in a related field
Excellent in programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, etc.)
Excellent skills in writing publications
Strong familiarity in at least one of: applied machine learning, Agentic AI, deep learning, statistics
Background in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or related fields
Demonstrated creativity and highly developed problem-solving skills
Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
Deep domain knowledge and willingness to grow into machine learning and AI expert for that domain
Prior experience with deep learning frameworks

Responsibilities

Applying existing deep learning solutions to novel problems
Fine-tuning of open-source models for CV and NLP
Labeling and feature engineering for novel datasets
Applying ML models to large datasets
Reading, understanding, making comments on, and expanding state-of-the-art deep learning research
Employ machine learning and agentic process flow expertise to develop and deploy innovative solutions
Develop a working knowledge of software engineering best practices
Develop machine learning software using strong Python programming skills
Leverage problem-solving and design skills to solve challenging technical problems
Stay current with developments in industry and academia
Collaborate with mentor to decide directions and set goals
Demonstrate outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative environment
Be passionate and self-motivated with good time management skills