Post Doctorate RA - Actinide Chemistry

About the role

This position is within the Nuclear Material Processing (NMP) group in the National Security Directorate at PNNL. The role supports multiple projects focused on:

• Hands-on wet chemistry operations involving lanthanides and actinides, particularly the transuranium elements plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am)
• Radiochemistry separations processes, including anion and cation chromatography separations
• Inorganic chemical or physical transformations such as redox chemistry, oxide conversion/dissolution, and synthesis
• Analytical analyses including optical and vibrational spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and contribute to team projects
• Interact, communicate, and collaborate with a diverse team of research staff across PNNL
• Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings
• Contribute to the development of research proposals

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD received within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university
• Experience in bench, actinide, or lanthanide chemistry

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field
• Well-versed in actinide or lanthanide chemistry
• Experience with wet chemistry and anion/cation exchange chromatography
• Track record for planning, conducting, and reporting experimental work as evidenced by a growing list of peer-reviewed publications

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The incumbent must be able and willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials. The primary work location is the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL), a DOE hazard category 2 non-reactor nuclear facility at PNNL. This facility conducts cutting-edge research on actinides and other high-dose radioactive and nuclear materials.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B
• Testing Designated Position: pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program
• Applicants must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP)