OverviewPNNL's Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science,engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinaryscientistssteward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction.
Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks at the interface of human and natural environments. This includespredicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire,flooding, sealevel rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing theresiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics toforecast complex systembehaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decisionmaking and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and nationalsecurity. It also includes developingenergy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage andutilization, along with carbon sequestration.
Driven by a “science-to-solutions” philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate naturalhazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights anddecisionsupport through the development of tools and solutions.
ResponsibilitiesContribute to PNNL’s goals as part of the Lab’s Energy and Environment Division (EED). With support from DOE-RL (Richland), we develop and implement long-range remediation strategies, in coordination with inputs from the Hanford Site Contractor, providing the essential scientific, technical and engineering basis for implementing DOE's "defense-in-depth" remediation strategy. The proposed research effort focuses on developing deployable bismuth-based materials for ex-situ remediation of co-located contaminants. Bi-based materials can remove multiple co-located risk driving contaminants (e.g., radioiodine-129, technetium-99, uranium, and hexavalent chromium) from groundwater under a wide range of geochemical conditions, making them a suitable potential treatment technology for contaminated sites within the DOE complex'
As a post bachelor researcher based in EED’s Environmental Subsurface Science group, you will become part of a multi-investigator team with diverse expertise tackling challenging environmental remediation questions across multiple programs. You will specialize in conducting experiments to: (i) convert the active Bi-based material into a viable form for ex-situ deployment; (ii) optimize the structure of the Bi-based materials based on the influent solution conditions; and (iii) assess the efficacy of the Bi-based material for sequestering contaminants from other industrial wastes.
The Ideal Candidate: If you are ready to test your talents and training on developing deployable bismuth-based materials for ex-situ remediation of co-located contaminants, we want to connect with you. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; you do not need to meet all the Preferred Qualifications to be considered.
What will you do:
- Carry out experiments to: (i) convert the active Bi-based material into a viable form for ex-situ deployment; (ii) optimize the structure of the Bi-based materials based on the influent solution conditions; and (iii) assess the efficacy of the Bi-based material for sequestering contaminants from other industrial wastes
- Become an integral part of PNNL environmental remediation project teams, taking advantage of world-class expertise and capabilities to perform your research.
- Become familiar with relevant sample preparation and delivery methods
- Become familiar with the scientific questions underlying the different PNNL projects and contribute to scientific thought leadership for future research.
- Work independently, take initiative, and work on team assignments
- Contribute to manuscript development
- Interact, communicate, and problem solve with research staff within a multi-expertise collaboration
- Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
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:
- Bachelor Degree in Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related fields.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership abilities to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment- The ability to work safely in the laboratory with radioactive samples and/or equipment
- The ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and/or samples
Additional InformationNot Applicable.
Testing Designated PositionNot a Testing Designated Position.
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, 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 OpportunityOur 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 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.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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, 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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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 $23.41/Hr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $31.00/Hr.