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 Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.
Protecting U.S. citizens and our visitors is among our Nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL National Security Mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructure.
We are looking for a new scientist as a PhD intern to help shape project focus, drive and success. This position will reside in the Applied Radiation Detection Group, Nuclear Chemistry Biology Technology Division of the National Security Directorate. The Applied Radiation detection (ARD) Group is focused on the research and development of radiation-detection-based technologies, including in-field and lab-based measurement systems, for important end-users. Projects within the group range from fundamental science projects to applied projects in support of international treaties, homeland security, nuclear security, and safeguards covering the areas of nuclear science, novel sensor development, and advanced data analysis and techniques for large systems and processes.
This internship will focus on the use and improvement of an ultra-high resolution microcalorimeter gamma spectrometer, developing algorithms and software for automated analysis, and studying the detection system’s sensitivity to complex mixed fission/activation product samples.
- The candidate should have interest and/or experience in maintaining and operating gamma spectrometers, transition edge sensors, and dilution refrigerators
- The candidate should have a working knowledge or be prepared to learn radiation transport, C++/Python, and CERN’s ROOT & GEANT4 data analysis & simulation frameworks; these skills will be leveraged to develop automated spectral analysis tools and support open-source development of advanced radio-emission spectroscopy instrumentation & methods
- The student may also assist with and learn radiochemistry methods, including sample digestions, chemical separations, and sample preparation.
If you love science and the National Security Mission we get to participate in, then join us!
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Physical Science, Engineering, Statistics,
or Business-related discipline. Examples include: Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or
Statistics.
Candidates must have a strong background in their major field of study, the ability to work independently
with little supervision, and an interest in working with others as part of an interdisciplinary team of
researchers addressing challenges with national and international impact.
Experience in radiation spectroscopy and gamma-ray detector systems.
Experience in detector data analysis, including programming expertise in a language useful for data analysis such as C++ or Python.
Experience with CERN’s ROOT and GEANT4 data analysis and simulation software frameworks.
Experience with small scale software development and software management using version tracking tools like GIT.
Strong knowledge of counting statistics, a combination of counting statistics and information theory is preferred.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentIntern may work with relatively-weak radiation sources.
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.
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.
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Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Temporary Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
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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 $24.04/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $36.06/Hr.
