Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Supervisor jobs in Washington

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. 

The technical focus of the Nuclear Signatures Group within PNNL’s National Security Directorate is on developing technology and techniques in support of international treaties, national security, safeguards, and arms control. For example, the group has developed measurement systems for radionuclide detection of nuclear explosions as well as developed various technologies that support the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

The Nuclear Signatures Group is seeking an outstanding scientist or engineer to join a dynamic multi-disciplinary team and to lead efforts related to the application of radiation detectors and nuclear signatures to a variety of national security applications.  We are specifically interested in a highly motivated, capable individual with experience in building and leading multi-institution collaborative efforts in these areas.  The primary job responsibility will be to develop, lead and contribute to a variety of projects.  This individual will play a role in developing strategies and capabilities at PNNL to address future research challenges.  Current research of the group covers a wide range of radionuclide-related research, development and operations, including hardware development and deployment, international engagement, and evaluation of data. The candidate needs to have the ability to perform and lead in-depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team. The work will involve preparing manuscripts for publication and presenting work internally and externally.  It is expected that the successful candidate will steward research opportunities to address the numerous challenges address by the group. 

Designs, develops, and analyzes components utilized in nuclear applications and nuclear non-proliferation such as reactor fuel, reactor cores, radiation shielding, and instrumentation. Researches and develops analytical methods and technologies supporting all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle including R&D activities related to storage, transportation, and disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste and long-term performance of waste forms. Supports nuclear regulatory work, risk-informed nuclear regulatory analysis, and probabilistic risk analysis. Addresses facility and process safety needs, principally in the area of nuclear-related construction, operation, and decommissioning. Development and application of radioactive materials, radioactive isotopes, and radiation generating devices. Studies the effects of interactions of radiation with materials including biological effects. Researches, evaluates, and controls health hazards to permit the safe use of ionizing radiation. Investigates principles by which radiation interacts with matter and living systems. Studies environmental levels of radioactivity and the effects of radiation on biological systems on earth and in space. Applies knowledge of radiation physics, health physics, biology, instrumentation, and computational modeling in laboratory and field settings to ensure that radiation exposure to researchers, students, industrial workers, patients, and the public is minimized and in compliance with regulations.

• Lead multi-organization research and development activities. 
• Develop and implement strategies for future research efforts.
• Mentor staff.
• Effectively engage with research sponsors and collaborators 
• Engage in specific research areas range from the structure and properties of matter; detector design; nuclear, particle, electromagnetic phenomena.  
• Design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems deployed internationally and domestically.  
• Engage in experimental measurements and complex, data-intensive analysis. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 7 years of relevant experience -OR-
• PhD with 5 year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building and leading multi-institution collaborations
• Experience developing and utilizing radiation detection equipment for national security applications
• Experience developing innovative techniques for national security applications
• Experience with gamma spectroscopy measurements and analysis
• Experience with national security applications related to nuclear forensics, nuclear explosion monitoring, and/or international safeguards
• Demonstrated strong analytical techniques and critical thinking
• Demonstrated communications skills, with the project team, sponsors, and other stakeholders at the national level
• Strong interest in mentoring

• Handling and use of sealed radioactive sources for radiation detection measurements  
• Occasional travel (domestic and international)  
• Occasional task activities may be performed outdoors in laboratory and/or field conditions 

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”

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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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.