Post Doctorate RA - Isotope Geochemist/Mass Spectrometrist

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The candidate should have significant, hands-on experience in TIMS (P-TIMS and/or N-TIMS) or MC-ICP-MS. Pertinent additional experience would include actinide and/or lanthanide analyses, PGE isotope ratio measurements, measurements of the isotopic variations of the transition elements, and noble gas mass spectrometry. Experience working with multiple isotope systems is preferred. Additional skills that would be of value include clean lab work, design or modifications of ion emitter or ion detection systems, separations work using ion or solvent exchange, or distillation, and development of laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) or LA-LIBS methods. The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment within several laboratories at PNNL, including a suite of seven multicollection mass spectrometers and associated supporting analytical instruments and facilities. Applicants must be willing to learn and employ safe techniques for handling hazardous materials. Candidates must be able to work with colleagues in a dynamic laboratory environment on the implementation of experimental procedures.

Requirements

• PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Ph.D. in geochemistry, isotope geology, analytical or nuclear chemistry, or a related field.
• Advanced level of knowledge and direct working experience on thermal ionization mass spectrometer or multi-collector ICP-MS instruments, including method development.
• Experience working in a wet-chemistry laboratory around potentially hazardous acids, bases, and materials.
• Strong written and oral communication skills as evidenced by scientific publication and conference presentations within the past five years.
• Proficiency with standard office software, such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Well-organized, self-starter, with a high capacity for attention to detail.
• Time management skills to balance activities among several concurrently operating projects.
• U.S. Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
• Ability to pass a Federal background investigation.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug testing and subsequent random drug testing.
• 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

• Experience working with multiple isotope systems is preferred.
• Additional skills that would be of value include clean lab work, design or modifications of ion emitter or ion detection systems, separations work using ion or solvent exchange, or distillation, and development of laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) or LA-LIBS methods.

Responsibilities

• Support the goals of the Environmental Signatures Team, encompassing impacts from anthropogenic processes, critical minerals/economic geology, and National Security applications.
• Conduct hands-on experience in TIMS (P-TIMS and/or N-TIMS) or MC-ICP-MS.
• Perform actinide and/or lanthanide analyses, PGE isotope ratio measurements, measurements of isotopic variations of transition elements, and noble gas mass spectrometry.
• Work with multiple isotope systems.
• Engage in clean lab work, design or modifications of ion emitter or ion detection systems, separations work using ion or solvent exchange, or distillation.
• Develop laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) or LA-LIBS methods.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Utilize state-of-the-art research equipment.
• 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
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• telehealth care options
• mental health benefits
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree