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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the National Security Directorate, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.
PNNL is seeking a highly motivated Post‑Baccalaureate Research Associate to support research and development of advanced scientific software tools for chemistry and plasma/laser‑based experiments. The successful candidate will contribute to (1) the design and implementation of a cross‑platform graphical user interface (GUI) framework that integrates modeling, simulation, and data‑science tools for chemistry‑focused experiments, and (2) machine‑learning‑based data analytics for high‑volume datasets arising from plasma physics and laser‑based experimental campaigns.
The primary responsibilities will include extending a modern desktop application (Next.js frontend with a Rust/Tauri core) to host multiple analysis and modeling tools, optimizing Python‑based data processing workflows, and developing and applying machine learning and data‑analytics methods to complex time‑ and space‑resolved datasets. The work will be performed in close collaboration with subject matter experts in chemistry, plasma physics, and laser‑based experimentation, and will include contributions to technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
- Design, implement, and maintain modular GUI pages and navigation for scientific models and analysis workflows, including data loading, parameter input, error handling, and visualization.
- Develop and maintain Rust/Tauri backend commands and inter‑process communication logic to invoke external executables and Python scripts, using robust JSON‑based argument passing and result collection.
- Integrate and optimize Python‑based data processing pipelines for large chemistry‑related datasets (e.g., spectroscopy, solvent‑extraction runs), including multiprocessing/parallelization for curve fitting, batch processing, and time‑resolved analysis.
- Develop interactive visualization capabilities (plots, sliders for higher‑dimensional exploration, and movie generation from plot sequences) with streamlined options for saving/exporting plots and processed data.
- Implement and refine analysis tools such as detection of reaction start and end times (derivative‑based methods, statistical tests, logistic fits, plateau and anomaly detection) and extraction of spectral/absorbance information at specific wavelengths for individual chemical species.
- For plasma/laser‑based experiments, develop Python‑based data pipelines and apply machine learning methods (e.g., regression, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, surrogate modeling) to experimental and simulation datasets, in close coordination with plasma/laser subject matter experts.
- Prepare written progress summaries, internal technical reports, and presentation materials; contribute as a co‑author to manuscripts, conference abstracts, and other scientific publications.
- Communicate regularly with mentors, co‑mentors, and project team members to plan, execute, and document research tasks; present results in group meetings and reviews.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with modern software development for scientific applications, including:
- GUI development using web technologies (e.g., React/Next.js or similar) and
- Programming in Python and at least one systems language (Rust, C/C++, or similar).
- Experience with data analysis and visualization for experimental or simulation datasets, including use of scientific Python libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, pandas, matplotlib, scikit learn).
- Familiarity with parallel or high performance data processing (e.g., Python multiprocessing) and integration of external tools or scripts into larger software frameworks.
- Background or strong interest in chemistry related data (e.g., spectroscopy, time series analysis) and/or plasma physics and laser based experiments.
- Experience applying machine learning techniques to real world datasets, including feature extraction, model training/validation, and evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment, with excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Evidence of scientific communication skills, such as prior project reports, presentations, or contributions to publications, is highly desirable.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicable.
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.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
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 $27.50/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $35.77/Hr.
