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Radiation Detection Post Doctorate RA (10214)

Overview

 

At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy.


Responsibilities

 

The postdoctoral nuclear physicist and/or engineer will assist with radiation spectroscopy counting operations in PNNL’s Radiochemical Processing Laboratory. Analyses include applications such as; provenance testing of actinide materials out of regulatory control, Hanford tank waste sample characterization, reactor dosimetry measurements like those regularly conducted for HFIR, ATR, and NCERC experiments, analyzing complex low-activity and high-activity samples in support of the International Monitoring System’s Radiation Laboratory and nuclear forensics, support fundamental nuclear data measurements probing neutron induced fission yields of actinides, develop algorithms and software for automated analysis of advanced radio-emission spectroscopy systems, and design and build detector arrays for improved detection sensitivities.

 

The candidate will be expected to:

  • Develop algorithms and software for automated analysis of advanced radio-emission spectroscopy systems in C/C++ using CERN’s data analysis framework ROOT.
  • Design, build, test, and maintain custom detection systems developed for applied missions.
  • Test developed analysis tools against complex mixed fission and activation product spectra.
  • Publish peer-reviewed journal publications about the development of advanced radio-emission spectroscopy instrumentation & methods.
  • Plan and execute counting experiments, analysis on acquired data, and support validation assessments using modeling and simulations tools like MCNP/GEANT4.
  • Perform radiochemistry to support sample preparation design.


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:

  • Ph.D. in Nuclear Science, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Radiochemistry, or closely related field.
  • Candidates must have a strong background in their major field of study, the ability to work independently, and an interest in working with others as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers addressing challenges with national and international impact.
  • Experience building and operating radiation detection equipment, including CAEN digitizers.
  • Experience in detector data analysis, including programming expertise in CERN’s ROOT C++ data analysis framework.
  • Hands on experience with radioactive sources.
  • Basic knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle.
  • Basic knowledge of actinide chemistry processing and techniques.
  • Experience performing routine chemistry tasks in a fume hood.
  • Hands on experience in radiochemistry, including radiochemical separations.
  • Ability to plan and carry out experiments to produce data for peer reviewed publications.
  • Ability to communicate (verbal and written) results in a professional scientific context.
  • At least 2 years of experience in gamma spectroscopy.
  • At least 2 years of experience with small scale software development.
  • Experience in count-room operations and alpha/beta/gamma spectroscopy.
  • Experience with software management using version tracking tools like GIT.
  • Experience with CERN’s ROOT and GEANT4 data analysis and simulation software frameworks. Knowledge of MCNP in addition to CERN’s resources is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of counting statistics. A combination of counting statistics and information theory is preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.


Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

 

  • There will be occasional off-shift work evenings, nights, and weekends.
  • Candidate will be trained and must perform to Radiation Worker standards (Radiological Worker II), as well as building and project procedures for managing radioactive and hazardous materials.
  • The candidate will be working with radioactive materials and chemicals in laboratories that are in radiological controlled areas, including radiation areas, radioactive material areas, and contamination areas.
  • Work location will be the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL), a Hazard Category II non-reactor nuclear research facility.


Additional Information

 

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. 

 

Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
  • Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.


Testing Designated Position

 

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. 


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


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.