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 RM group is looking to hire a Post Bachelors Research Associate with a background in materials science/chemical engineering/nuclear engineering/chemistry to help with formulation, processing and testing of high-temperature (e.g., glass, ceramics) and ambient-temperature (e.g., cementitious, polymeric) waste forms to immobilize nuclear wastes. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to primarily help with laboratory processing and testing in the areas of materials synthesis and characterization. An emphasis will be placed on developing and testing stable waste forms in the areas of high-temperature and ambient temperature materials synthesis and their physical and chemical properties to develop advanced cement- and glass-, and glass ceramic-based waste forms capable of immobilizing nuclear wastes. The candidate will assist in production of test samples and performance of experiments. Characterization data to be gathered, cataloged, and used with respect to formulation, processing and final waste form properties testing will include rheology, calorimetry, ultrasound wave reflection techniques, chemical leaching studies, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. Additional analysis methods/waste form properties would also focus on physical characterization (e.g., flexural, compressive & tensile strength, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, etc.). Responsibilities Demonstration of good laboratory testing and wet chemistry skills. Candidate must be familiar with standard chemical laboratory operating procedures and standard analytical techniques. The candidate must be willing to learn and employ safe techniques for handling hazardous materials. The candidate will be required to maintain laboratory records and to implement and follow quality assurance procedures. General activities include preparing test specimens, characterizing them, compiling data and results. The materials will be characterized with respect to formulation, processing, and final properties. On a broad basis, apply principles, theories and concepts of materials science and processing to develop novel, high-performance solutions to address waste management needs. Provides clear and concise written and oral presentation of data, analysis and conclusions and contribute to technical papers and proposals. Participate in multi-disciplinary teams. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Minimum overall GPA of 2.50 required. Preferred Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in materials science/chemical engineering/nuclear engineering/chemistry (or closely related field) with experience in ceramic and cementitious materials. Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50. Experience with batching chemicals and making glass and cementitious materials is preferred. Demonstrated experience in safely working within a chemical laboratory or industrial environment is preferred. Solid understanding of Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and MS Office applications. Basic understanding of Python or other programming language. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment 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. 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 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