OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division is comprised of 18 interdisciplinary research teams focused on deciphering molecular-level interactions driving biological and environmental processes across temporal and spatial scales. Through computational analysis and modeling, these findings contribute to predictive understanding of how systems respond to environmental perturbations thus enabling solutions to the nation’s energy, environmental, and human health challenges. The division also manages the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus that accelerates the research of scientists around the world by providing access to world-class expertise, instrumentation, and computational resources.
This is an onsite position in Richland, Washington.
The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.
As a Biologist 3, you will conduct research on the fundamental principles of microbial, plant, and animal life—including their origin, anatomy, and function. You will collect and analyze biological data to understand how organisms interact with their environments, with a focus on structure, function, and behavior.
In this role, you will:
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on multidisciplinary research projects.
- Communicate complex scientific findings through clear written reports, oral presentations, and peer-reviewed publications tailored to diverse audiences.
- Uphold rigorous laboratory safety and compliance standards, ensuring all experimental activities meet PNNL protocols and DOE requirements.
You will also contribute to advancing autonomous experimentation and high-throughput phenotyping in support of DOE BER and EMSL User Program objectives. This includes:
- Developing innovative approaches to accelerate biological research.
- Partnering with automation engineers to design and implement automated workflows for strain engineering, cultivation, and phenotyping.
- Leveraging robotics and integrated data systems to enhance experimental throughput and efficiency.
May specialize in:
- Microbiology: Investigates the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms at both the molecular and cellular level, as well as their ecology and function as mixed communities.
- Plant Science: Studies the breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees.
- Genetics/Molecular Biology: Studies and redesigns the genetic system of organisms. Understanding and engineering the function of an organism at the genetic level including the expression of those genes into functioning RNAs and proteins and response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli.
- Field Biology/Ecology: Conducts research on land, in air, and water, studying plant, animal, and bird behavior in natural Ecosystems.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Microbial Genetics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Expertise in microbial molecular biology and cell physiology with proven ability to design and execute experiments in microbiology with a strong emphasis on microbial physiology, applying advanced molecular biology techniques to investigate genetic and phenotypic traits.
- Demonstrated expertise in microbial physiology, strain development, lab automation and genetic engineering.
- Experience with genome editing and molecular tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) to engineer microbial strains for improved performance in biotechnology applications is critical.
- Analytical experience with integration of multi-modal data (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to link genetic drivers to physiological outcomes and using bioinformatics approaches to guide strain optimization.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborating across disciplines and institutions, working closely with computational scientists, engineers, and biologists to achieve project goals and contribute to multi-institutional research initiatives.
- Proven ability to mentor and engage in team-based problem solving, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary innovation.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentStandard research lab chemicals and biological samples.
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNLPacific 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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 WorkplacePNNL 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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease 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 RewardsEmployees and their families are offered 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, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $122,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $193,000.00/Yr.
