Overview
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multi-program laboratory operated by Battelle for the US DOE. The Radiological Materials (RM) group at PNNL is a world leader in development and testing of materials for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes. Specific areas of noted expertise are in formulation, synthesis, and characterization of vitreous and cementitious materials. The RM group is looking to hire a candidate with a background in materials science/chemical/engineering science to help develop formulations and processing of low-temperature waste forms to immobilize nuclear wastes. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to primarily help and plan the testing of cementitious materials formulations and perform work in the areas of materials synthesis and characterization. An emphasis will be placed on developing stable waste forms using low temperature materials synthesis methods and measurement of their physical and chemical properties to develop advanced cement-based waste forms capable of immobilizing nuclear wastes.
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.
The successful candidate will be responsible for helping to develop and execute experimental plans to synthesize and evaluate the performance of various ceramic materials based on formulations and processing of low temperature waste forms suitable to immobilize nuclear wastes and perform studies to understand the aging of this class of materials. The candidate will assist in the production of test samples, performing of experiments, and writing of small sections for inclusion in reports and journal papers. Opportunity to work with high-end analysis equipment and develop and/or work with equipment specifically designed to obtain defensible data on waste form processes and properties. Cementitious characterization data to be gathered, cataloged, and used for a predictive modeling tool with respect to formulation, processing and final waste form properties will include rheology, calorimetry, ultrasound wave reflection techniques, chemical leaching studies, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. Additional analysis methods/waste form properties would also focus on physical characterization (e.g., flexural, compressive & tensile strength, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, etc.).
The candidate will work with close supervision by senior engineers and scientists and are expected to perform experiments and tests with little direct supervision from senior staff in one to two years. The position requires the ability to apply a strong disciplined approach to experimental planning, execution, and reporting. The candidate will be expected to prepare high quality technical reports and presentations that communicate the objective, experimental process, results, and conclusions in a traceable, defensible manner.
The successful candidate will be:
- Mentor and oversee technicians and students
- Perform sample preparation activities
- Operate various pieces of analytical characterization equipment (XRD, SEM, spectrometers, etc.)
- Adhere to strict quality, security, and safety requirements
- Work with business sensitive and non-sensitive information and demonstrate an ability to manage business sensitive situations
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA -OR-
- PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 2 years of related work or educational experience; or, Masters in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 5 years of related work or educational experience
- Demonstrated experience in a field relevant to nuclear waste forms cementitious properties, formulation, and processing
- Member in a professional society/community
- Experience contributing to proposals
- 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
- Key attributes leading to successful career progression include a focus on technical leadership, organizational leadership, project execution, and technical impact.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment- Laboratory-based materials synthesis and characterization; potential exposure to hazardous chemicals; potential exposure to controlled levels of ionizing radiation
- Experimental work involves radiological materials and environment, typical laboratory chemicals, and laboratory equipment that are assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards.
- Radiological Worker II training is required to conduct 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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