Overview
The Nuclear Sciences Division within the Energy & Environment Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is currently seeking a materials engineer or similar who possess an understanding of nuclear waste glass properties, formulation, and processing to join its Radiological Materials group. We maintain a world-class glass chemistry research capability including glass preparation, property measurement and modeling, processing, and performance assessment.
This senior level position is intended to assume technical leadership of research projects related to nuclear waste glass and alternative waste forms (e.g., ceramics, glass-ceramics) design, testing, qualification, and/or processing. A good working knowledge of the principles of materials/chemical sciences is required for the job. The successful candidate would have a demonstrated ability to perform independent research in nuclear waste materials design or processing. Good written and oral communication skills are also important, as the work involves the coordinated efforts of teams of two to ten staff and students and direct client interactions. This position will direct, as needed, the work of other scientists, technicians, junior staff, and students. The successful candidate will participate in developing, planning, and execution of externally funded research projects.
Responsibilities
Spans fundamental materials science to applied materials engineering. Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties of various natural, synthetic, and composite materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, rubber, glass, and combinations of these materials. Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales and performs short- and long-term characterization, modeling, or testing of these materials to understand their behavior and determine ways to improve them or develop new materials with specific properties. Develops individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing, joining, finishing, treating, and strengthening materials. Develops computational models of materials that describe structures, properties, and performance of materials. Specific research areas include physics, chemistry, materials science, materials engineering, glass science, ceramic science, metallurgy, manufacturing and process engineering, corrosion science, and polymer science.
- Mentor staff to develop technical and leadership skills
- Development of externally funded research programs
- Plan and execute project scope within budget and schedule
- Leverage strong technical judgement and provide solutions to an assortment of problems using conventional methods where causal relationships are progressively difficult to establish
- Develop new state of the art technologies and technical approaches to advance high impact science
- Adhere to strict quality, security, and safety requirements
- Contribute to the development of new capabilities and proposals within the Nuclear Sciences Division
- Work with sensitive and non-sensitive information and demonstrate an ability to manage business sensitive situations and influence positive outcomes
- Manage direct interfaces and relationships with external clients such as DOE Offices of River Protection, Office of Environmental
- Management, Office of Nuclear Energy, and/or Office of Science, as well as with industrial clients
- Advance PNNL’s visibility and reputation as a leader on a national level in the area of advanced nuclear waste form development and management
- Publish key scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and technical reports
- Lead the direction of laboratory strategies in the area of nuclear waste forms
- Work with members of technical and management teams to lead proposals with an approximate value greater than $500K/year. Work with PNNL sector managers to help develop contribution plan targets
Key attributes leading to successful career progression include a focus on technical leadership, organizational leadership, project execution, and technical impact.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 10 years of related work or educational experience
- Demonstrated experience in a field relevant to nuclear waste glass properties, formulation, and processing
- Demonstrated ability to plan and successfully execute research projects
- Demonstrated ability to publish research results in peer reviewed journals
- Working knowledge of NQA-1 Quality Assurance requirements and a demonstrated ability to apply quality assurance principles to test planning, execution and documentation of testing and analysis activities
- Experience mentoring and training junior scientists, engineers, or students
- Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding or grants sufficient to support three or more staff or students
- Demonstrated ability to plan and successfully execute research programs with five or more participants
- Holds a leadership role in a professional society/community
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Experimental work involves exposure to high temperatures and typical laboratory chemicals and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards. In addition, experimental work may involve radiological materials and environment.
May need to become a Radiological Worker to be able to conduct and oversee radioactive materials testing in radioactive designated areas.
Additional Information
Not applicable
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the 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.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Minimum Salary
USD $139,200.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $220,000.00/Yr.
Salary Type
BASE_SALARY