Job description
- Research Associates excluded.
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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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 [email protected].
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.