Post Doctorate RA - Isotope Chemist/Geochemist/Mass Spectrometrist
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. The Radiochemistry Group is seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong ethic of service to the scientific community and a commitment to both scientific excellence and national impact on critical scientific and technical problems. This opening is to support the goals of the Environmental Signatures Team, which broadly encompasses impacts from anthropogenic processes (including investigations of contaminant fate and transport), critical minerals/economic geology, and National Security applications such as nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensics.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in geochemistry, isotope geology, radiochemistry, analytical or nuclear chemistry, or a related field.
- Experience working in a wet-chemistry laboratory around potentially hazardous acids, bases, and materials.
- Proficient with standard office software, such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.
- Received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
- Must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment.
- 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
- Significant, hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and/or radiochemistry.
- Pertinent mass spectrometry experience includes TIMS (P-TIMS and/or N-TIMS), MC-ICP-MS, or ICP-MS.
- Experience with multiple isotope systems and radiochronometry is preferred.
- Clean lab work.
- Experience with multiple dissolution techniques, separations work using ion or solvent exchange, or distillation.
- Use of laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) or LIBS.
- Ph.D. with 2 years of relevant experience.
- Advanced level of knowledge and direct working experience on thermal ionization mass spectrometer or multi-collector ICP-MS instruments, including method development.
- Strong written and oral communication skills as evidenced by scientific publication and conference presentations within the past five years.
- Well-organized, self-starter, with a high capacity for attention to detail.
- Time management skills are essential to balance activities among several concurrently operating projects.
Responsibilities
- Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Have access to state-of-the-art research equipment within several laboratories at PNNL.
- Learn and employ safe techniques for handling hazardous materials.
- Work with colleagues in a dynamic laboratory environment on the implementation of experimental procedures.
Benefits
- health insurance
- flexible work schedules
- 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
- fertility support
- company-funded pension plan
- 401 (k) savings plan with company match
- 120 vacation hours per year
- ten paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
