Group Leader - Radiochemistry

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.

The Radiochemical Analysis Group conducts fundamental and applied research resulting in new capabilities in trace element and radionuclide detection, environmental assessment and remediation, treaty verification, and proliferation detection and prevention. The group applies a broad range of instrument and method development knowledge, specialized chemical separation methods, and advanced radiometric and spectrometric technologies in support of national security missions. Staff are typically involved in multiple projects which enables each person to contribute to basic science studies as well as the applied missions of the group. Staff use highly developed processes, specialized methods, and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation to perform work that spans the spectrum of basic science to applied analytical services. Research areas include: radiochemistry, nuclear materials chemistry and analysis, instrument development, safeguards, freight and transport, and nuclear signatures. Much of the analytical services work that is performed requires measuring radionuclides at trace levels.

The radiochemistry branch specializes in radiochemistry operations, R&D, particle processing operations, and optimization. We are seeking a dynamic leader for this group focusing on:

• Specialized radiochemical separations of unique, quantity-limited samples to advance national security interests.

• Research and development is focused on increasing the number of analytes that can be isolated from a single sample, increasing chemical yields and analyte purity, lowering detection limits and uncertainties for analytical methods, and decreasing the time to complete analyses. Analytical techniques used include radioanalytical methods, elemental analyses using optical emission spectroscopy and kinetic phosphorescence, and quadrupole mass.

• Providing radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry solutions for a variety of national security applications, such as nuclear data measurements, nuclear nonproliferation, and nuclear explosion. Unique skill sets include planning and conducting irradiation experiments for national security related R&D, such as fission yield measurements or isotope production; preparing samples, ranging from spent fuel to environmental levels, for trace-level analytical techniques; and offering guidance on radiochemical processing to abate radioiodine and radioxenon emissions produced by civilian applications.

• Performing nuclear forensics operations and R&D to support national security. The capabilities include sample processing using a specialized particle analysis method, optical microscopy, electron microscopy and TIMS analyses.

Success in the position as a group leader will be characterized by:

• Focusing on staff development and nurturing careers of recognized technical experts and future organizational leaders.

• Robust recruiting, especially in radiochemistry and forensics.

• Elevation of PNNL's role in the science and engineering community, including university partnerships.

• Stronger ties between fundamental science capabilities and applied missions.

• Partnership in developing proposals that integrate capabilities into business planning.

Responsibilities

Positions comprised predominantly of research management responsibilities, with significant span of control and/or delegated authority and responsibility. These positions generally manage multi-disciplinary organizations through staff leaders or subordinate managers. Management decisions impact objectives, goals and long-term success of the organization and Laboratory.

• As a group leader, you will supervise approximately 45 staff across technical disciplines and support. You will focus on staff and career development of the next-generation of leaders as well as the recruiting of high-caliber technical talent.

• As a technical leader, you will support projects focused on analytical chemistry so that you know the challenges staff face.

• You will advise and influence senior leadership as it invests internal resources to position for the future.

• As a member of the division leadership team, you will help create, shape, and guide our strategy that defines the future of our 400+ person.

• You will partner with six other technical groups to develop integrated capabilities across technical domains that meet national security challenges.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related engineering/science plus 8 years of relevant experience.

• Proven ability to execute on a vision, making it real and tangible. This includes understanding the mission landscape and the ability to bring the mission to the group. The next leader needs to articulate the group's role in the organization's strategy and inspire others and lead by influence.

• Demonstrated leadership of people, in particular other leaders. Candidates must have high emotional intelligence and strong soft skills to effectively integrate across capabilities and build bridges. This includes understanding the role of scientists and engineers with the ability to nurture their careers uniquely. External to the group, the leader must influence stakeholders across the organization.

• Experience with operational risk. This includes knowledge of information security, safe conduct of research, and a demonstrated ability to balance safety/security with productivity.

• Ability to effectively communicate across technical expertise and organizational cultures, translating vision and objectives for the workforce and distilling complex programs/technologies for diverse audiences.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

As a group leader, there will be lab spaces with hazards that you will be responsible for and it will be necessary to interact with staff in different laboratory spaces and/or environments. This group is focused on on radiochemistry and analysis at multiple activity scales across multiple facilities at PNNL. Lab Assist will be utilized as appropriate to capture any hazardous activities they (or their staff) are working on and information they need to know about hazards, spaces, training, etc. required to work on such activities.

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

Notice to Applicants

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.

Minimum Salary

USD $170,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $255,500.00/Yr.