Student Veterans of America Jobs

Overview

PNNL'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 interdisciplinary scientists steward 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 includes predicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing the resiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics to forecast complex system behaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decision making and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and national security. It also includes developing energy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage and utilization, along with carbon sequestration.

Driven by a “science-to-solutions” philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate natural hazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights and decision support through the development of tools and solutions.

Responsibilities

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking post doctorate researchers who are excited to learn and contribute to environmental science and engineering. We are looking for emerging leaders wanting to make an impact in the world and advance our nation’s scientific understanding. There are a variety of research topics and areas that cover geochemistry, microbiology, computer science, chemistry, engineering, earth science and much more.

MSIPP is funded by the Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM). DOE-EM is working to cleanup legacy radioactive waste found in soil, groundwater, and underground storage tanks. All research aligns with DOE-EM’s mission to safely immobilize and cleanup environmental legacy waste, focusing on cleanup of the Hanford Site which is one of the most complex DOE sites due to hazardous comingled contaminates. For more information, go to https://www.pnnl.gov/environmental-management-internship .

You will be completing meaningful research to help solve some of our nation’s biggest cleanup problems. For example, some projects look at visualizing contaminants of concern in the subsurface using geophysical modeling. Other projects look at safely transporting hazardous chemicals and discovering long-term forms to store this legacy waste. Once you’ve applied, we will be able to match your interests and career goals with a scientist or engineer who will mentor you throughout your post-doc. Post-docs typically begin in May. Start and end dates are flexible around university schedules.

As a post-doctorate 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 advanced solid phase characterization methods, including the use of X-ray synchrotron techniques accessed through user proposals at US Department of Energy user facilities, from sample preparation, to measurement, and data analysis/interpretation. One key aim of this work is to integrate machine learning into current data analysis approaches. The characterization methods used will be applied to several projects with primary objectives focused on cleanup of the Hanford Site. This work will involve safe handling of radiological samples.

• Carry out experiments and/or sample preparation for characterization. Sample types may include pure oxide compounds, resins, cement based materials, minerals, and/or sediments.

• Use machine learning to develop more efficient data processing methods.

• 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 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

• Lead and contribute to manuscript development

• Interact, communicate, and problem solve with research staff

• Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings

This post-doc will advance your career by giving you real world research experience and connecting you with leading experts in your field. You will meet other researchers in multiple disciplines and be introduced to potential careers and various research opportunities. If you’re interested in making the world a better place, restoring the environment to its natural state, and gaining valuable research experience to launch your career, consider applying below.

All projects involving lab work will be located in Richland, WA. Projects focused on computer science or modeling may have remote opportunities.

To qualify you must have attended a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). MSIs are institutions of higher education enrolling populations with significant percentages of undergraduate minority students. Don’t know if your school qualifies? Ask us! Please email em.internships@pnnl.gov to find out more.

*HOW TO APPLY*

Upload Resume or CV in “Resume” section only (note: If applying to multiple positions, the most recent resume uploaded will be used for all positions an applicant applies to).

Electronic applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. (PST) on the posting close date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with X-ray synchrotron techniques, specifically X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), X-ray fluorescence, and/or high energy X-ray diffraction.

• Experience with data processing using or aided by machine learning.

• Wet laboratory skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong leadership abilities to work as part of an interdisciplinary team

• To qualify for this MSIPP position the candidate must have graduated from a minority serving institution (MSI) for either an undergraduate or graduate degree.

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Geochemistry, or related science and engineering fields

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Safe handling of radiological materials

Additional Information

Not Applicable.

About PNNL

Pacific 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 Opportunity

Our 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 Workplace

PNNL 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 Requirement

In 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 Requirements

Please 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 Rewards

Employees 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.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)