Materials Scientist 2 - Imaging and Spectroscopy

Overview The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division seeks an Imaging and Spectroscopy Scientist focused on understanding the biogeochemical and microbial processes that drive fate and transformations of nutrients in soil and shallow subsurface environments. This candidate will work in the EMSL User Facility and engage in user research, as well as and participate in PNNL and EMSL research and capability development projects that explore the mechanisms and biogeochemical conditions by which soil organic matter and nutrients are transformed and interact with surrounding ecosystems. This position will provide an opportunity to work with a diverse team of scientists to understand the molecular processes that regulate soil, microbial, and ecosystem biogeochemistry. In addition, the individual will be expected develop their own research projects and to expand the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) capabilities within this scope in effort to attract an active user community. EMSL is a national scientific user facility and research directorate located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). EMSL is supported and stewarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). The EMSL User facility is designed to provide innovative and breakthrough experimental and computational science that addresses BER programs by providing access to more than 75 state-of-the-art instrumental and computational capabilities. EMSL Users address some of the most important molecular-to-mesoscale challenges relevant to DOE missions. Responsibilities The position will entail employment of many of the tools available within EMSL to elucidate soil structure, rhizosphere environments, soil physics properties, as well as biogeochemical gradients and processes occurring in the subsurface and at the mineral-organic interface. Applicants with research experience operating and analyzing data from x-ray computed tomography and various x-ray spectroscopies including data from synchrotron experiments is desired. Experience in collaborating with other User Facilities for multimodal studies is desirable, particularly with facilities that have synchrotron-based x-ray imaging and absorption spectroscopy capabilities. Knowledge of processing, analyzing and visualizing 3D image data is required. The candidate should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. The candidate will be expected to contribute to ideas and methods expanding on existing R&D and collaborate on reports, proposals, papers, posters, and presentations and to develop external collaborations with users and other scientists. The candidate must also demonstrate initiative, creativity and innovative thinking, and high tolerance for the ambiguity, dynamics, and diversity of work characteristic of a research environment. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Biology, Mineralogy, or Environmental Engineering or a related field. 2-3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience or other relevant skills. Direct experience and expertise in x-ray tomographic imaging and related software tools, soil biogeochemistry, soil microbiology, x-ray spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction/scattering. Experience in using DOE User Facilities. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable Additional Information Not applicable. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). 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 [email protected]. 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. Beginning 05/01/23, 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. Mandatory Requirements Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. 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