Low Background Detection Physicist - Level 2

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. Responsibilities The Detection Physics (DP) Group within PNNL’s National Security Directorate is seeking early career researchers to work at the intersection of national security, environmental sciences, and nuclear/particle physics instrumentation. The DP group specializes in developing ultra-low-background techniques and instrumentation aimed at making some of the world’s most sensitive radiation detection measurements. Capabilities within the group include the Shallow Underground Laboratory, a facility that provides shielding from cosmic ray-induced radioactive backgrounds and cleanroom filtration to protect from the radioactivity found in dust. This unique research and development facility is dedicated to low-background detector system development and production. This capability is enabled by equipment and expertise in cryogenic and vacuum systems, low noise analog electronics, gas-handling systems and radiation detectors. Researchers will also have opportunities to work across the Detection Physics group’s portfolio of fundamental and applied science programs, assisting with the cross-pollination of new methods and technologies in radiation detection relevant to both basic research and applied research for national security. This cross-disciplinary, entrepreneurial environment is a strength that the Detection Physics Group has fostered and maintained over multiple decades. Specific areas of focus within the group include Fundamental Physics: Detection Physics staff are engaged in several experimental efforts focused on neutrinos and dark matter, including the next Enriched Xenon Observatory (nEXO), Project 8, Oscura, the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX), and the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS). Researchers may have the opportunity to develop detector components and test new R&D concepts with our local detector test stand as well as contribute to simulations and modeling of radioactive backgrounds and detector signals. Quantum Information Science: Researchers are pursuing several experimental efforts to study energy transduction in quantum devices at the intersections between QIS and high-energy and nuclear physics. New hires may have the opportunity to contribute to quantum information science (QIS) research focused on superconducting sensors and low-temperature device physics. The group is also engaged in several experimental efforts to study the interactions between superconducting materials and the environment, particularly ionizing radiation. Ultra Sensitive Nuclear Measurements Program: The Ultra-Sensitive Nuclear Measurements Program (USNMP) stewarded by the Detection Physics Group guides the lifecycle of PNNL research and operations in: Ultra-pure materials for radiation detection Ultra-sensitive radiation detection systems enabled by these materials Analytical and computational techniques to further reduce backgrounds and provide quantitative reporting from ultra-sensitive measurements Applications uniquely enabled by these capabilities across National Security, Environmental Science, and Fundamental Physics Collection and sample chemistry methods uniquely enabled by these capabilities to address challenging environments The Ultra-Sensitive Nuclear Measurements Program (USNMP) includes a broad base of supporting capabilities: Central capability is the team: staff Nationally and Internationally recognized for USNM science leadership, creativity, and operational excellence PNNL Shallow Underground Laboratory Cleanroom and clean laboratory spaces dedicated to ultra-low-background R&D and operations around materials, detectors, sampling, & measurements Materials assay capabilities providing world-leading sensitivity for radioactive contaminants (U, K, Th, Co, Cs, …) Dedicated clean machining and fabrication capabilities for working with ultra-pure materials The successful candidate will receive guidance on new assignments from senior team members, while being expected to suggest preliminary selections of technical alternatives. The candidate will work independently to complete recurring assignments and define/lead project work at a small task/project level, reporting results to the larger team on time and within budget. They will be expected to contribute to proposals and embrace expectations for quality, safety, and security. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: Degree in nuclear engineering, physics, nuclear engineering, chemistry, or other field with a research emphasis on nuclear instrumentation Previous post-doctoral experience or experience working at a DOE National Lab Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively on diverse, interdisciplinary teams Excellent written and oral communication skills Experience managing tasks with budget and deadline requirements Previous technical experience that may include one or more of the following: Gamma-spectrometry systems: setup, operation and analysis of data, preferably high-purity germanium detectors. Noble gas detectors: (gas proportional counters and cryogenic noble liquid scintillators) and understand the challenges to low-background techniques associated with these technologies. Low-temperature systems: operation and instrumentation of cryogenic systems, including dilution refrigerators and vacuum systems. Quantum sensors: instrumentation and operation of superconducting sensors (e.g., superconducting qubits, kinetic inductance detectors, or transition edge sensors). Microwave electronics: experience instrumenting and reading out experiments with radio-frequency electronics. Low-noise sensors: design of low-noise detector systems, with a strong background in characterization of environmental noise factors. Software tools: prior experience with simulation, data analysis and coding packages such as Geant4, ROOT, C++, Python, Jupyter, or machine leaning techniques. Clean Room operations: experience with cleanroom protocols and working in low-background environments Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment No hazardous working conditions / environment are anticipated for this position. 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 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 [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. 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