Trace Radiochemical Processing Technician

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for an experienced technician to provide laboratory and operational support for radiochemical sample preparation activities within trace environmental analysis labs in the Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation (ACAI) group. The position requires strong attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and the ability to perform work independently while maintaining high standards for cleanliness, organization, and safety. This position is specifically focused on laboratory operations, sample preparation, wet chemical processing, bulk radiochemical sample processing operations and support, and contamination-control activities. The research group seeking to fill this position supports a number of critical national security missions along with missions relating to environmental monitoring, isotope production, next generation nuclear fuel cycles, and international nuclear safeguards and treaty monitoring. Projects within the research group range from highly applied projects in support of the U.S. Government to fundamental projects in the areas of nuclear science and novel technology exploration.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience -OR- Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 2 years of relevant experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Ability to pass a Federal background investigation.
Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, and demonstrate non-use for the preceding 12 months.

Responsibilities

Maintain lab readiness, including leaning/contamination control, glassware leaching, waste handling, supply organization, and custom labware fabrication.
Support daily operations by ordering/tracking chemicals and consumables and escorting visitors/vendors/craft personnel per lab requirements.
Perform routine, high-throughput sample prep and wet chemistry (e.g., muffling, dissolution, purification) following detailed procedures with strong contamination control.
Maintain accurate records/documentation and consistent ownership of processing tasks through completion.
Execute work safely using proper chemical handling, PPE, and equipment knowledge; ensure compatibility and procedural adherence.
Perform basic calculations (weights/reagents), verify accuracy, and flag process/procedural/equipment issues to the task lead.
Coordinate with scientists, engineers, technicians, support staff, and crafts to support research/analytical workflows.
Communicate task status, maintain organized work areas, and demonstrate reliability and accountability.