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.

Responsibilities

Today’s threat landscape is shaped by rapidly evolving technologies, a flood of data and information, and new adversaries. Their convergence creates new types of threats that are outpacing our ability to respond, let alone prepare. To effectively anticipate, detect, and mitigate the challenges of tomorrow, we must examine them broadly and systematically using rigorous analytic approaches and develop solutions that integrate the latest science and technological advancements with practical policy and legal solutions.

Candidates for this position will support work being performed in PNNL’s Emerging Threats and Technologies (ETT) Division within the National Security Directorate (NSD). The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division’s mission space comprises cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, policy and intelligence, and security systems expertise. The organization consists of over 300 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. Our staff work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, threat-informed analysis, 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 Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group, where this position is located, identifies emerging threats and develops threat-informed analysis and mitigation strategies for decision makers that integrate data, scientific, and technical information. Our experts leverage a deep understanding of current challenges and emerging trends in climate security, nonproliferation, research security, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs to propose solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated policies, or weaknesses in international systems and institutions.

STA is seeking an Advisor with knowledge and training in technical and policy areas relevant to research security; including, identifying and mitigating foreign interference that poses risks to the U.S. research enterprise and the research enterprises of foreign partners, and has experience building bridges between research communities and the U.S. government to strengthen cooperation on addressing security concerns, both domestic and international.

You will directly support our U.S. national security sponsors, contributing to or leading innovative projects and programs, developing detailed technical reports and presentations, and presenting research findings both internally and to sponsors. You will also lead initiatives to ensure that PNNL’s capabilities are aligned with our sponsor needs considering global trends in national security, and develop new capabilities where needed.

The specific responsibilities include the following:

• Applies comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research security, stakeholders, and legal frameworks to implement research security policy and engagement projects;

• Leads strategic direction of high-impact programs and projects;

• Supports or leads scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level for projects involving research security;

• Leads multi-disciplinary teams to address current and emerging research security challenges;

• Able to lead research and produce publications, reports, briefings, curriculum and related content for external engagements;

• Travels domestically and internationally for partner engagement up to 30% of the time;

• Instructs and/or facilitates workshops and seminars for domestic and international partners;

• Develops strong relationships with USG sponsors, including at the Departments of State and Commerce; National Nuclear Security Administration; and international and domestic partners engaged in research security; and

• Generates new ideas for proposals and business development opportunities while leading development of technical sections of medium to large proposals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Uses extensive experience in the field of research security, possessing a comprehensive understanding of existing theories, principles, and concepts in order to provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which often no precedents or past practice exists;

• Resolves problems that frequently require mastery of specialized techniques using high degrees of ingenuity and creativity;

• Demonstrates well-recognized national influence and skilled consensus building;

• Exerts positive influence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups with internal and external organizations, the public, and the community;

• Is often sought out to work on key project teams and regularly collaborates and negotiates with senior national/international government officials as a PNNL and DOE representative;

• Makes recommendations that set precedent for future decisions and strongly influence national/international policies and decisions at highest levels;

• Is committed to continuous learning, professional development, and new ways of thinking;

• Has the ability to quickly understand key concepts in new domains and to communicate effectively with technical staff, laboratory leaders, and sponsors, including a strong ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences; and

• Possesses strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple competing demands under pressure.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-

• MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in areas of national security and research security;

• Extensive analytic experience in research security and threat assessment;

• Knowledge of U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State, Commerce, and National Nuclear Security Agency;

• Ability to generate creative solutions that will help address some of the most technically and politically complex national security issues of today;

• Capability to build and lead impactful, mission-relevant programs;

• Ability to provide guidance on technical approaches and sponsor engagement strategies and identify and mitigate stakeholder sensitivities;

• Ability to maintain effective working relations with Laboratory staff and sponsor officials at all levels;

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and;

• A reputation for integrity and trust.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

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, 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 $160,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $264,000.00/Yr.