Chemist 3

Responsibilities

Conducts research of organic or 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: Analytical Chemistry: Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of organic compounds, inorganic compounds, or biologics to determine the chemical composition and/or physical properties by verifying their identity, purity, and homogeneity. Biochemistry: Studies the chemical structures, processes, and composition of living organisms and performs studies of chemical reactions for processes involved in all basic life functions. Geochemistry: Studies the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the Earth. 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. Organic Chemistry: Studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which may also include hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. 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.

Applicants should have significant, hands-on experience performing research in a chemistry laboratory. May specialize in:

Analytical Chemistry: performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of organic compounds, inorganic compounds, or biologics to determine chemical compositions and/or physical properties by verifying their identity, purity, and homogeneity. Inorganic Chemistry: investigates the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds and materials, which include metals, metaloxides 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 develops new theories such as how complex structures are formed.

Applicants should have a demonstrated track record of independent contribution to research programs, a strong publication record, have begun to build a national reputation in the field, and possess the ability to interact with and lead dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams in a task lead role. The selected candidate will mentor and support peers and junior staff in technical growth, lead projects, write proposals, and network with technical peer groups. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the work and team-based projects, effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate are essential. Applicants should be creative and capable of productive research, both independently and as part of inter-disciplinary teams. The selected individual will experience professional growth through excellent performance on projects via networking internally and externally to PNNL.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in inorganic, analytical, or radiochemistry. Applicants 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. Demonstrated ability to acquire funding for self. A research portfolio that includes inorganic wet-chemistry and synthesis or radioisotope separations. Preference is for experience in actinide science. Demonstrated expertise with chemical dissolution and separations from bulk matrices. Experience handling environmental level up to mid-level quantities of radioactive materials. Active Q clearance.
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.

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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