Chemical Engineer 3

Overview
Contribute to PNNL's goals in Experimental Geochemistry as part of the Lab's Physical Sciences Division (PSD). As a Level 3 Chemical Engineer in the Geochemistry Group, you will join a talented, multi-investigator team to explore the molecular-level basis for structure, stability, and reactivity in complex systems such as highly alkaline multicomponent solutions and slurries, and in glass waste form materials. This includes fundamental research into molecular mechanisms of nucleation and solid phase precipitation in low water high salt content regimes where ions compete for limited waters of solvation. You will be mentored by prominent researchers as you develop a line of experimental research, working to understand the detailed structure and chemical dynamics of complex solutions and novel glass materials. This position is based in the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a unique DOE National User Facility on the PNNL campus.
The Ideal Candidate:
If you are an ambitious early career researcher ready to test your talents and training in Experimental Geochemistry and hone your skills at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences, we want to connect with you. Details are below; you do not need to meet all of the preferred qualifications to be considered.
What you will do:

• Conduct independent laboratory research and work on team assignments.
• Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff within the Geochemistry Group, EMSL, PSD and across PNNL.
• Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings.
• Co-lead the development of research proposals.
• PNNL is committed to diversity and inclusion; applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities
Conducts research of organic or inorganic substances. Analyzes and tests new or existing materials to identify their properties and characteristics for the development or improvement of new or existing products. Studies the relationship between chemical and physical properties.
May specialize in:

• Analytical Chemistry: Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of organic compounds, inorganic compounds, or biologics to determine the chemical composition and/or physical properties by verifying their identity, purity, and homogeneity.
• Biochemistry: Studies the chemical structures, processes, and composition of living organisms and performs studies of chemical reactions for processes involved in all basic life functions.
• Geochemistry: Studies the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the Earth.
• Inorganic Chemistry: Investigates the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds and materials, which include metals, metal oxides and complexes, both natural and synthetic, as well as main group and organometallic compounds.
• Nuclear Chemistry: Studies reactions that take place inside the nucleus of atoms, such as fission and fusion processes including the production of radionuclides, or studies the effects of ionizing radiation on materials, living organisms, and the environment.
• Radiochemistry: Develops and/or applies chemical techniques to study naturally occurring and man made radionuclides and employs chemical concepts for processing irradiated materials. Applies chemical techniques involving radio tracers to investigate chemical, biochemical, or biomedical questions.
• Organic Chemistry: Studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which may also-include hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur.
• Physical Chemistry: Studies how matter behaves at both the molecular and atomic level, how chemical reactions occur, and develop new theories-such as how complex structures are formed.

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, Geochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences, or related fields.
• Training and aptitude in Experimental Geochemistry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of/experience with multi-method experimental and analytical characterization of solids or solid interfaces with aqueous solutions for the purpose of understanding chemical reactions and/or kinetics.
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data using synchrotron X-ray absorption or scattering spectroscopies for understanding the structure of molecules, clusters or nanoparticles.
• Proficiency in wet chemical analytics, solution preparation and handling, nanomaterial syntheses, design, and execution of batch and/or mixed flow reactor experiments with solid suspensions.
• A background in one or more of the following additional solids/interfacial characterization approaches: scanning probe microscopies, scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy, electron paramagnetic spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman and/or IR vibrational spectroscopies, time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopies, non-linear optical spectroscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, neutron scattering, mass spectrometry and/or associated imaging methods, or X-ray diffraction.
• A consistent track record of publications and presentations demonstrating the proficiency in utilizing aforementioned spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
• A functional grasp of basic thermodynamics and kinetics concepts.
• The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools as needed.

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 careers@pnnl.gov.
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.
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