Chemist 4

Responsibilities

Conducts research of inorganic substances. Analyzes and tests new or existing materials to identify their properties and characteristics for the development or improvement of new or existing products. Studies the relationship between chemical and physical properties.

May specialize in:

Actinide Chemistry: Develops and/or applies chemical techniques to study elements Th, U, Np, Pu, Am, etc. Applies chemical techniques to support investigate chemical, processing, and handling questions.

Inorganic Chemistry: Investigates the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds and materials, which include metals, metal oxides and complexes, both natural and synthetic, as well as main group and organometallic compounds.

Nuclear Chemistry: Studies reactions that take place inside the nucleus of atoms, such as fission and fusion processes including the production of radionuclides, or studies the effects of ionizing radiation on materials, living organisms, and the environment.

Radiochemistry: Develops and/or applies chemical techniques to study naturally occurring and manmade radionuclides and employs chemical concepts for processing irradiated materials. Applies chemical techniques involving radiotracers to investigate chemical, biochemical, or biomedical questions.

Physical Chemistry: Studies how matter behaves at both the molecular and atomic level, how chemical reactions occur, and develop new theories such as how complex structures are formed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Inorganic, radiochemistry, or materials science. A research portfolio that includes inorganic wet-chemistry and synthesis, radioisotope separations, or solid-state materials chemistry. Preference is for experience in actinide science. Experienced in glove box operations within air or air-free conditions, or equivalent. Experience with X-ray diffraction (powder, single crystal), vibrational and optical spectroscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis Familiarity with particle size or morphological analysis via dynamic image analysis, and optical or electron microscopy. The candidate must be comfortable working independently, within matrixed teams, or in a leadership capacity. A track record for planning, conducting, and reporting experimental work is required as evidenced by a growing list of peer-reviewed publications.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

The individual must be able/willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials in a nuclear 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 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.

“Referral Eligible”

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.

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