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Overview

Protecting U.S. residents and 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 infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

The Detection Physics Group within PNNL’s National Security Directorate is seeking early to mid-career researchers to work at the intersection of national security, environmental sciences, and nuclear/particle physics instrumentation. The Group specializes in developing ultra-low-background techniques and instrumentation aimed at making some of the world’s most sensitive radiation detection measurements. Capabilities within the Group include the Shallow Underground Laboratory, a facility that provides shielding from cosmic ray-induced radioactive backgrounds and cleanroom filtration to protect from the radioactivity found in dust. This unique research and development facility is dedicated to low-background detector system development and production. This capability is enabled by equipment and expertise in cryogenic and vacuum systems, low noise analog electronics, gas-handling systems and radiation detectors.

Researchers will have opportunities to work across the Detection Physics group’s portfolio of fundamental and applied science programs, assisting with the cross-pollination of new methods and technologies in radiation detection relevant to both basic research and applied research for national security. This cross-disciplinary, entrepreneurial environment is a strength that the Detection Physics Group has fostered and maintained over multiple decades. Specific areas of focus within the group include:

• Fundamental Physics: Detection Physics staff are engaged in experimental efforts focused on neutrinos and dark matter, including the next Enriched Xenon Observatory (nEXO), Project 8, Oscura, the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), and the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS). Researchers develop detector components, test R&D concepts and contribute to simulations and modeling of radioactive backgrounds and detector signals.

• Quantum Information Science: Researchers are pursuing several experimental efforts to study energy transduction in quantum devices at the intersections between quantum information science (QIS) and high-energy and nuclear physics. The Group contributes to QIS research focused on superconducting sensors and low-temperature device physics, and are engaged in experimental efforts studying the interactions between superconducting materials and the environment, particularly ionizing radiation.

• Ultra-Sensitive Nuclear Measurements: The Ultra-Sensitive Nuclear Measurements effort stewarded by the Detection Physics Group guides the lifecycle of PNNL research and operations in radiation detection systems, ultra-pure materials, collection and sample chemistry methods, and analytical and computational techniques. Research in this area has broad applications to national security, environmental science, and fundamental physics.

Responsibilities

Researchers at this level are expected to work independently, contributing to and executing research or tasking plans that include scope, schedule and budget. Mid-career researchers are expected to be role models for other staff, engaging in the scientific or stakeholder community and setting an example for safety, security and quality. Successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated technical experience that may include one or more of the following:

• Ultra-pure materials for radiation detection

• Gamma-spectrometry systems

• Noble gas detectors

• Low-temperature systems

• Low-noise electronics and data acquisition

• Cleanroom operations

• Pressure/vacuum/gas systems

• Software development, data analysis, and machine learning

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in physics, nuclear engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering or other field with a research emphasis on nuclear instrumentation and detection

• Previous experience working at a DOE National Lab or in relevant stakeholder environments

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively on diverse, interdisciplinary teams

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience managing complex projects with budget and schedule requirements

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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, 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, 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)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL 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 Salary

USD $117,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $185,100.00/Yr.