Post Doctorate RA - Radiochemist

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

8d

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s National Security Directorate (NSD) develops science-based, mission-focused solutions to complex threats. Within NSD, the Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to discover signatures and develop materials, methods, and technologies for detecting and analyzing threats, including explosives, biological threats, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

The Post Doctorate RA - Radiochemist performs hands-on research in a chemistry laboratory. The work may focus on analytical, inorganic, nuclear, radiochemistry, or physical chemistry. Radiochemistry work involves developing or applying chemical techniques to study naturally occurring and manmade radionuclides, processing irradiated materials, and using radiotracers to investigate chemical, biochemical, or biomedical questions. This position involves hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Candidates must have received a Ph.D. within the past five years or expect to receive one within the next eight months. The role requires U.S. citizenship and compliance with federal security, background investigation, and drug-testing requirements. The position is based at PNNL in eastern Washington State. PNNL offers health insurance and flexible work schedules. The listed salary range is USD $69,000 to $119,100 per year.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in organic, analytical, or radiochemistry, or a related field.
• Must have received a Ph.D. within the past five years (60 months) or expect to receive one within the next eight months from an accredited college or university.
• Hands-on experience performing research in a chemistry laboratory.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.
• Must complete the required federal background investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to random post-employment drug testing; must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the required national security questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in inorganic, analytical, or radiochemistry.
• Ability to work independently, within matrixed teams, or in a leadership capacity.
• Track record of planning, conducting, and reporting experimental work, evidenced by a growing list of peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire funding for oneself.
• Research portfolio including inorganic wet chemistry and synthesis or radioisotope separations.
• Experience in actinide science.
• Expertise with chemical dissolution and separations from bulk matrices.
• Experience handling environmental-level to mid-level quantities of radioactive materials.
• Active Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on research in a chemistry laboratory.
• Depending on specialization, conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of compounds or biologics; investigate inorganic compounds and materials; study nuclear reactions or radiation effects; develop or apply radiochemical techniques to study radionuclides and process irradiated materials; use radiotracers to investigate chemical, biochemical, or biomedical questions; or study matter and chemical reactions at molecular and atomic levels.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Flexible work schedules
• Medical 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 assistance
• 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
• Up to 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