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

PNNL is actively investigating various technologies related to the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle specific to HALEU and alloy fuels for research and test reactors. Additionally, actinide metallurgy and nuclear fuel recycling related technologies are being used to support national security mission areas. An understanding of the current HALEU production landscape is required in terms of deconversion technologies to ensure future feedstock materials will be available for nuclear fuel fabrication activities in support of research and test reactors as well as important medical isotopes both domestically and abroad.

Uses extensive experience in a field of specialty, possessing a comprehensive understanding of existing theories, principles, and concepts in those fields to provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which 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.

This technical leadership position requires an understanding of complex, integrated, front end nuclear fuel cycle technologies as well as related QA, Safeguards and Policy matters. The advisor position requires an ability to perform assessments of potential technologies to inform investments by the NNSA needed to mitigate future fuel supply issues. The advisor position will likely require travel to production centers both foreign and domestic.

This position requires the ability to propose, and articulate in writing, well defined work scopes for further laboratory investigations and coordinate with outside organizations technology transfer, development and production scale-up plans; effectively manage related modeling activities across several organizations. Good organizational and oral communication skills are required for this position. The advisor will use extensive experience and a deep understanding of existing theories, principles, related technologies, safeguards requirements, and policies to develop recommendations for future investments in both science and research and development to enable solutions to PNNL sponsors.

The advisor will need to cultivate relationships across multiple organizations involved in front end nuclear fuel cycle business, including both commercial and DOE labs. The advisor position may also be involved in safeguards related work with back end nuclear fuel recycling technologies. This position will contribute to the acquisition of externally funded projects and will be involved in efforts to obtain new internally funded laboratory investments.

The advisor position will be involving in mentoring early-career staff members.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing metallurgical processing of uranium and/or plutonium or other radiological materials requiring glove box containment.

• Experience in actinide chemistry, casting, extrusion, and pilger processing.

• Actinide metal recycling, fuel reprocessing, waste handling, and relevant safeguards.

• Knowledge and network with other labs/DOE sites/foreign centers working in the nuclear security enterprise that perform actinide metallurgical processing.

• Experience working in organizations with highly structured Quality Assurance program requirements.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• The position may involve work in PNNL’s Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL). The RPL is a Hazard Category II Nuclear Facility with capability for performing work on high-level radioactive and hazardous materials.

• The candidate must be able to achieve DOE Radiological Worker II qualification.

• The candidate must be able to access the Personnel Contamination Monitors (PCMs) when exiting Radiological Buffer Areas and must be able to expeditiously exit the facility in the event of a criticality alarm or other alarm in the 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, 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)

Minimum Salary

USD $160,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $264,000.00/Yr.