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 Emerging Threats and Technology (ET&T) Division is comprised of cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, policy, legal, intelligence, and security systems expertise. Our staff work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. Our collaborative environment and commitment to work/life balance makes PNNL an ideal place to advance your career, challenge yourself, and make a difference in the world. The Threat Prevention and Resilience (TPR) group sits at the intersection of policy and technology deployment. This group of over 45 staff examines the suite of issues that impact technology deployment and use, such as laws, regulations, policies, economics, trade, and stakeholder challenges.

Team Name: Legal Frameworks

Team/Capability Description: The Legal Frameworks team is a dedicated legislative and regulatory analysis and development capability distributed at multiple locations across the U.S. consisting of a cadre of trained lawyers who perform training, engagement, and capacity building with a broad range of international partners and conduct research and analysis on behalf of U.S. government sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of international law, U.S. law and policy, theory, and general industry standards/practices in the following subject areas: security of extremely hazardous, weaponizable chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and associated facilities and activities; international nuclear safeguards; strategic trade controls; arms control; novel applications and deployments of nuclear technologies (e.g. maritime, outer space); cybersecurity; security issues related to climate change; and governance and risk mitigation of artificial intelligence.

• Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance knowledge in Law and Policy and address some of the most challenging problems relating to space, arms control, and treaty law.

• Gather, analyze, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

• Monitor internal and or external business challenges, sponsor and/or regulatory issues; recommend process or service improvements.

• Utilize technical expertise in one or more scientific, engineering, or policy disciplines; determine significance and reliability of incoming information; integrate new information with current data. Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty. Makes decisions that are guided by established policies, procedures, and techniques. May identify problems and bring to manager's attention.

• Has knowledge of theory and general industry standards/practices in nonproliferation-related disciplines or subject areas, such as international safeguards, nuclear export control, arms control, chemical and biological security, and nuclear security.

• Follows defined policies and procedures and analytic techniques to generate solutions to nonproliferation problems.

• May work on discrete pieces of larger projects or simultaneously with different customers or on different projects. Works independently with limited oversight. Seeks out mentoring opportunities.

This position will be remote or located in Richland, WA; Seattle, WA; or Washington D.C. based on business need.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

• MS/MA, PhD, or JD/LLM and 3 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates with a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Juris Doctor) from an accredited college or university preferred.

• 4+ years of relevant international law experience, particularly in subfields such as arms control law, space law, maritime law, or law related to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

• Significant experience in international legal analysis.

• Subject matter expertise and professional experience in space law, space security, and U.S. space regulations and policy.

• Subject matter expertise and professional experience with WMD treaty operation, implementation, or analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to apply skillset across domains.

• Experience writing journal articles, technical reports, and giving associated presentations and/or teaching adult learners.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Position may require foreign and domestic travel.

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.

In addition to the PNNL benefits package, Legal Frameworks team members are eligible to have their bar fees covered by PNNL.

PNNL is a 501(c)(3) organization where time in service can accrue toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position will generally qualify for Loan Repayment Assistance Programs available through many U.S. law schools – PNNL will support reasonable efforts to coordinate and confirm eligibility, as needed.

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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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 $83,200.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $128,800.00/Yr.