Radiation Detector Expert

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

1d•$100,100 - $150,200•Onsite

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 Nuclear Signatures Group develops technology for treaty verification, national security, safeguards, and arms control. Its work is diverse and includes research and systems development for detecting radionuclides from nuclear explosions, supporting international safeguards, and verifying nuclear warheads. The connecting focus across the group’s activities is using nuclear signatures to support monitoring and verification efforts. The Nuclear Signatures Group is looking for a highly motivated, capable individual with experience related to the atmospheric transport modeling (ATM) of radionuclides to support our nuclear explosion monitoring mission. The primary job responsibility will be to ATM-related efforts supporting our nuclear explosion monitoring mission. In addition, the successful candidate will support other complex data analysis efforts. The candidate needs to have the ability to perform in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team. The work will involve preparing manuscripts for publication and presenting work internally and externally. It is expected that over time through experience at PNNL, the successful candidate will steward new research opportunities.

Requirements

BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants 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).
Mandatory Requirements: Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics or Nuclear Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics.
Strong understanding of radiation detection concepts, such as isotopes, decay, spectroscopy, coincidence detection from a radionuclide release, and backgrounds.
Experience with HYSPLIT, WRF, Geographic Information Systems, HPC.
Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency with at least one of the following languages: Fortran, C++, Python, and MATLAB.
Strong analytical thinking, curiosity, attention to detail, and collaborative abilities.
Experience with dispersion modeling.
Experience using high-performance computing.
Experience with developing and/or using sensor network analysis.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated critical thinking.
Effective communication in small groups and public settings.

Responsibilities

Conducts research and development activities using the theories and principles of physics.
Specific research areas range from the structure and properties of matter; electromagnetic system design; nuclear, particle, electromagnetic phenomena.
Physicists may design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems deployed internationally and domestically.
Physicists routinely engage in complex, data-intensive analysis.
ATM-related efforts supporting our nuclear explosion monitoring mission.
Support other complex data analysis efforts.
Perform in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team.
Prepare manuscripts for publication and presenting work internally and externally.
Steward new research opportunities over time through experience at PNNL.