Overview At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy. The Materials Performance Team within the Reactor Materials Group is seeking a PhD intern with expertise in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and Atom Probe Tomography for materials under extreme conditions. Responsibilities The successful applicant will collaborate with researchers on the development and innovative application of advanced materials for extreme environments. This includes manufacturing of new materials and assessment of their irradiation resistance and mechanical performance. Primary job duties of this position include experimental science activities to understand the microstructural changes and mechanical response of a variety of novel materials to extreme operating conditions and elucidate the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials. The research will contribute to an integrated materials engineering approach that combines the design of new materials, manufacturing, characterization and property assessment under high thermal, mechanical and extreme irradiation environments. Areas of emphasis include CALPHAD simulations, additive manufacturing, arc-melting, powder metallurgy, advanced electron microscopy including different transmission electron microscopy characterization techniques, atomic probe tomography techniques and analysis, mechanical property measurements and in-situ microscopy/property measurements. Primary materials of interest include steels, nanocrystalline materials and compositionally complex alloys. However, the group’s research covers a wide range of materials and applications and is interdisciplinary in nature. The group publishes high quality research manuscripts, contributes oral and written papers at conferences, and participates in workshops on materials research. The successful candidate is expected to significantly contribute to these publication and presentation activities. 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: Strong background in materials under extremes and materials qualifications for nuclear applications including publications. Experience in transmission electron microscopy characterization techniques of irradiated materials. Experience in powder metallurgy and advanced manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing. Experience with manufacturing and assessment of a wide variety of alloys relevant to nuclear applications. Ability to integrate experimental microstructural information with data from materials models to understand the performance of complex materials. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Work hazards involve low level radioactive materials, working with electron microscopes, working with chemicals and working with samples at high temperatures and/or pressures. 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, and flexible work schedules. 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. 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. 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 $22.93/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $35.00/Hr.