Post Doctorate Research Associate - Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nuclear Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, delivers science and technology innovations for the environment, energy, and national security. At a time when complex challenges are emerging on many fronts, we address some of the most challenging national and international nuclear issues. This includes providing technological solutions that protect the public health and safety around nuclear facilities, developing durable new materials for extreme nuclear environments, innovating new nuclear processes for the safety and security of the nation, and delivering new approaches for accelerating environmental cleanup of nuclear sites. The division’s capabilities and efforts are focused on environmental management of nuclear sites, nuclear regulatory processes, national nuclear security, and advancing nuclear energy. The Nuclear Chemistry and Engineering Group advances national missions in nuclear materials stewardship, non‑proliferation, the nuclear fuel life cycle, environmental cleanup, national security, and advanced energy production. Our work spans radiochemistry, separation science, and irradiated materials research—supporting the beneficial use of nuclear materials and radionuclides in fields including medicine, industry, and energy. Through strong academic collaborations and high‑quality fundamental and applied science, we are developing innovative solutions for critical materials recovery, isotopic separations, and radiochemical process development. We are seeking recent doctoral graduates or soon-to-be graduates to join our Group. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to hands‑on radiochemical and nuclear science research. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, your responsibilities may include: Perform hands‑on manipulation of radiological materials in a nuclear facility. Conduct wet chemistry experiments, including separations and ion exchange. Gain proficiency and confidence for independent radiological lab work. Accurately document experimental protocols and organize data in spreadsheets or databases. Communicate scientific results clearly to team members and collaborators.

Requirements

• Received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Ph.D. in chemistry, engineering, physics, or a combination of experience and Ph.D. in a related STEM field
• Experience with chemical and physical characterization methods such as: Infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, Electrochemical methods, Gamma spectroscopy, Separations chemistry
• Demonstrated commitment to safe operations within laboratory environment
• Technical writing skills

Responsibilities

• Researching cutting-edge radiochemical separations and automated systems.
• Extending operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors through post-irradiation examination of existing commercial fuel and of new accident tolerant fuels.
• Maturing molten salt reactor technologies for the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Preventing and reducing nuclear proliferation risks by testing alternative fuel for civilian and test reactors.
• Maturing key technologies, processes, and systems designed to safely, efficiently, and effectively retrieve, treat, and immobilize nuclear tank waste.
• Perform hands-on manipulation of radiological materials in a nuclear facility.
• Conduct wet chemistry experiments, including separations and ion exchange.
• Gain proficiency and confidence for independent radiological lab work.
• Accurately document experimental protocols and organize data in spreadsheets or databases.
• Communicate scientific results clearly to team members and collaborators.

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

What This Job Offers

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