Job Information
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory PhD Intern Analytical Chemist in Richland, Washington
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 Radiochemistry Group within the National Security Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is currently seeking an outstanding student for a PhD internship to operate and develop ultrasensitive elemental analysis methods within a collaborative team of scientists to support work in nuclear forensics and ultrasensitive measurements. The PhD project will center around understanding ion-gas interactions for analytical method development.
Responsibilities
The primary tasks will center around our growing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) capability, with specifics of the PhD work to be determined. Through exposure to both routine and novel measurements, the intern will garner a strong background in ICP-MS to inform new areas of research.
The intern will have opportunities to work with newly acquired tandem ICP-MS instrumentation to understand fundamental ion-gas interactions to be used in an applied setting.
The intern will have the opportunity to work within a team of scientists that specialize in making exquisite measurements for applied and fundamental science areas of research. There will be opportunity for significant growth, publishing, and working with new and novel instrumentation.
There will be opportunities to apply measurement and method development to the following instrumentation:
Agilent 8800 and 8900 instruments
Perkin Elmer NexION 5000
Thermo iCap TQ
Sapphire 1700
Nu Vitesse (Q-TOF)
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Currently seeking PhD degree in (analytical) chemistry, chemical engineering, radiochemistry, geochemistry, or related field.
Significant hands-on experience working in an analytical chemistry laboratory is desired.
Significant experience operating an ICP-MS is desired, preferably utilizing instruments listed in the Job Description.
Understanding and demonstration of gas-phased ion separations in tandem mass spectrometers is desired.
Highly motivated, detail-oriented, technically capable, and interpersonal skills to work in a team environment, as well as work independently.
Excellent laboratory and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to perform routine tasks while also understanding the bigger picture that drives measurement needs.
Familiar with good laboratory practices, while gaining additional knowledge of more detailed and project specific techniques.
Demonstrate the discipline to closely follow and document established procedures to perform routine and complicated analyses.
Capable of following procedures accurately and consistently and the ability to make recommendations to assist in improving and troubleshooting procedures.
The ability to document analytical data into an organized and easily reviewed report.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
This position may involve work with hazardous chemicals (acids, bases, etc.) and radiooactive materials.
Additional Information
Due to business needs and client space, US Citizenship is required.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
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.
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
Regular Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.
Temporary Hourly:
Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.
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