RESEARCH SCIENTIST - SR. RESEARCH SCIENTIST - Radiochemist/Geochemist

Who We Are:

The scientists and engineers of SwRI's Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses provide technical assistance and conduct research to support the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's mission to protect public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment.

Objectives of this Role:

• For the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other clients, perform technical evaluations for ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, nuclear materials management, and radioactive waste disposal.
• Conduct independent laboratory and modeling research on chemical and geochemical aspects of these nuclear safety evaluations.
• Provide technical assistance and research support to chemical and geochemical aspects of non-nuclear projects, including water resources evaluations.
• Contribute to preparation of proposals and support other business development activities where your technical expertise is applicable.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Lead a laboratory experimental program evaluating the release of radionuclides from cementitious waste forms.
• Assist, as needed, another experimental program on water chemistry conditioning by cementitious materials. Perform related geochemical modeling, as needed.
• Write reports.
• Manage laboratory space while meeting standards of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Review technical information on geochemical models and parameters (e.g., solubility limits, sorption coefficients, and radiolysis) used in dose and performance assessments of radioactive waste disposal and waste tank closure. Write related evaluation documents.
• Provide chemical, radiochemical, and geochemical expertise for regulatory assessments of the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium recovery, conversion, enrichment, fabrication, storage, reprocessing, and disposal.
• Write reports.
• Supplement reviews with independent analyses.
• Support business development efforts.

Requirements:

• Requires a Masters or a PhD in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Radiochemistry, or Nuclear Chemistry
• Must pass a conflict of interest evaluation.
• 1 year with a Masters,  0 years with a PhD with a directly related dissertation; Knowledge of and experience in radionuclide chemistry and geochemistry
• Laboratory experience either through academics or industry
• Due to the nature of the contract, candidates must be a US Citizen or have held US Permanent Residency (on-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) for at least 5 years
• A valid/clear driver's license is required

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Chemistry & Chemical Engineering home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.
For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Race/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disabled/Veteran
Committed to Diversity in the Workplace