Physicist 3

Overview The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate (PCSD) researchers lead major R&D efforts in experimental and theoretical interfacial chemistry, chemical analysis, high energy physics, interfacial catalysis, multifunctional materials, and integrated high-performance and data-intensive computing. PCSD is PNNL’s primary steward for research supported by the Department of Energy’s Offices of Basic Energy Sciences, Advanced Scientific Computing Research, and Nuclear Physics, all within the Department of Energy's Office of Science. Additionally, Directorate staff perform research and development for private industry and other government agencies, such as the Department of Defense and NASA. The Directorate's researchers are members of interdisciplinary teams tackling challenges of national importance that cut across all missions of the Department of Energy. Responsibilities We are seeking a staff scientist to contribute to the PNNL’s Clean Energy and Catalysis Science programs. The interdisciplinary research in these programs focuses on hydrogen storage and catalytic conversions for zero carbon economy. The underpinning experimental surface science efforts center on developing and testing atomically-defined model systems that are prerequisite for understanding processes in complex environments. Studies in the hydrogen storage area seek a mechanistic understanding of hydrogen activation, transport, and transfer to fuels on carbon-based 2-dimensional materials. The catalytic chemistry of interest focuses on a molecular-level understanding of reactions that are critical for achieving a zero-carbon footprint economy, such as biomass conversion and CO2 hydrogenation. The primary goal of the surface science approach is to achieve a detailed, site-specific, molecular-level understanding of the kinetics and dynamics of elemental reaction steps on well-defined model systems. The successful candidate will carry out atomically-resolved imaging studies using scanning tunneling microscopy while complementing the efforts with ensemble-averaged spectroscopies to determine the surface structure and identify reaction intermediates and products, develop and refine mechanistic hypotheses, and formulate structure-activity relationships. Much of the research will also involve collaborations with theoretical colleagues. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred 3+ years experience after postdoctoral studies is desired Expertise in the area of high-resolution imaging using scanning tunneling microscopy is required Experience in an area of surface science. Examples include but are not limited to: experience with electron- and X-ray-based spectroscopies (both laboratory and synchrotron-based), developing structurally complex but atomically-defined experimental model systems, understanding elementary steps along surface-catalyzed reactions, exploring chemistry in the liquid phase and electrochemical environments Experience with writing research articles and proposals Experience supervising and mentoring graduate students and postdocs Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable Additional Information Not applicable Testing Designated Position Not a Testing Designated Position 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