The Nuclear Sciences Division within the Energy & Environment Directorate at PNNL is currently seeking a materials scientist or similar who possess an understanding of nuclear waste glass properties, formulation, and processing to join its Radiological Materials group.

The Radiological Materials (RM) group at PNNL is a world leader in development and testing of materials for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes. Specific areas of noted expertise are in formulation, synthesis, and characterization of vitreous and ceramic materials. RM is looking to hire a Scientist/Engineer (SE3) with a background in materials science/chemical/engineering science to help develop and advance formulations of waste forms and processes to immobilize nuclear wastes. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to plan, execute scope, evaluate data, and document/publish results. An emphasis will be placed on developing stable waste forms and their physical and chemical properties to develop advanced glass, glass ceramic waste forms capable of immobilizing nuclear wastes.

This is an exciting time to join a well-known group at PNNL.  We have active scope in novel materials and processes, projects supporting the long-term cleanup mission at Hanford, and work directly with the Engineering and Operations staff who are presently starting up the Vitrification Plant at Hanford.  There is opportunity to learn from and work with established experts who have been working in this field for decades while building a team for the future with peers and some of the brightest early career staff all gathered in one place.

The SE3 candidate will have technical expertise in materials development, proposal development, and project execution. They will be a fully competent scientist/engineer with ability to select and apply principles, theories and concepts and contribute to science and technology solutions in the conventional aspects within the discipline specialty, and function as a principal investigator (PI) or Co-PI on multiple or significant projects or tasks. Will direct technical projects or tasks that may involve multi-disciplinary activities in this field.  Other responsibilities include:

• Leadership and mentorship of a team of junior scientists, engineers and technicians in identification and application of material synthesis, characterization, performance evaluation and management of engineered nuclear materials (e.g. waste forms and targets).
• Publication of key scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
• Presentation of scientific work at professional conferences including participating in professional societies (e.g. session chair responsibilities) at the regional and national level.
• Accountable to relevant product line managers and technical group manager for project development, execution and closure.
• Identify and document intellectual property.
• Work with members of technical and management teams to lead proposals with an approximate value of $300 - $500K/year that are directed at meeting business sector and contribution plan targets.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 6 years of related work or educational experience; or, Masters in materials science, materials engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field plus 7 years of related work or educational experience
• Establishing leadership role in a professional society/community
• Knowledge of NQA-1 Quality Assurance requirements and a demonstrated ability to apply quality assurance principles to test planning, execution and documentation of testing and analysis activities
• Have a well-established research reputation with multiple professional achievements. Have a strong publication record, including authoring multiple reports and publications, and delivering invited presentations at relevant technical conferences
• Position requires demonstrated success in developing solutions to technical problems and managing technical projects with values in excess of $300K
• Ability to effectively communicate within a team environment and through presentation of technical work to senior scientists, management and external peers and clients
• Demonstrated success at proposal development and securing external funding via proposal submissions