Post Doctorate Research Associate - Nuclear Non-Proliferation

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Integrated Discovery Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

Responsibilities

• Support nuclear non-proliferation research through a combination of mathematical modeling and data analysis.
• Conduct research in nuclear explosion monitoring, safeguards, emergency response, arms control, and radiation detection.
• Engage in space security research, an emerging area for the group.
• Apply experience in nuclear simulation and analysis involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing.
• Demonstrate strong data analysis skills and a general aptitude for nuclear physics simulation.
• Conduct independent research while integrating and collaborating effectively within a team.
• Design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems deployed internationally and domestically.
• Perform complex, data-intensive analysis in areas such as the structure and properties of matter, electromagnetic system design, and nuclear, particle, and electromagnetic phenomena.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance, including a background investigation covering employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with personal references, neighbors, and co-workers.
• Must demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
• Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, or related nuclear-centric disciplines.
• Experience involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing.
• Familiarity with software such as MCNP, SCALE, GEANT, and/or similar nuclear simulation codes.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex data sets.
• Good understanding of nuclear physics, including radiation detection and measurement.
• Experience with CFD and Multiphysics simulation software like COMSOL, Ansys, SimFlow, etc.
• Experience utilizing artificial intelligence in research.
• Proficiency in a programming language, preferably C++ or Python.
• Willingness to learn new skills and support other nuclear non-proliferation projects as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth care options and several mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching and health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Basic life insurance and disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
• Tuition assistance and relocation support.
• Backup childcare, legal benefits, and supplemental parental bonding leave.
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
• Company-funded pension plan and 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Up to 120 vacation hours per year and ten paid holidays per year.

Pay

Minimum Salary: USD $69,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary: USD $119,100.00/Yr.

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.