Scientist, Research Scientist

The Savannah River National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Plutonium Scientist to support research & development activities related to the purification, processing, and characterization of actinide metals, and assist in the business growth of the division. In this role, the candidate may oversee activities focused on elucidating the impact of processing conditions and aging on material properties/performance, and/or design and testing of various prototype systems to optimize processing of plutonium metal in support of defense programs.

In these activities the candidate will work collaboratively as part of a small high‑performance team, demonstrate effective communication with others, and apply technical expertise in his/her field of specialization to solve complex scientific and engineering problems. A successful candidate will also be able to assist in project planning/execution, mentor junior scientists, and have a demonstrated history of securing funding, preparing technical documents, and interfacing with sponsors.

Ensure work is performed safely, responsibly, securely, and in accordance with laboratory principles, policies, and procedures.

Support and partner on proposal teams, as well as manage technical and programmatic aspects of successfully won projects.

Support R&D activities to deliver high‑quality creative and innovative solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems.

Contribute to intellectual property by developing technical reports, publications, and patents.

Mentor junior scientists and engineers, postdoctoral researchers, and student interns.

Maintain a national presence at technical meetings, both internal to DOE and through professional organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

M.S. or Ph.D. in science or engineering with 3 or more years of experience in materials research.

Established research record in a relevant field as evidenced by a publication record of technical reports, peer‑reviewed articles, presentations, and/or granted patents.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree in metallurgy, material science & engineering, chemistry, or related field with relevant research or industrial laboratory experience.

• Experience interfacing with defense program sponsors.

Experience with handling, purifying, processing, and/or characterizing plutonium metal.

Experience with modelling, simulation, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence.

• Demonstrated experience in successfully supporting multi‑disciplinary research teams in the laboratory and/or field.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple organizations/agencies and leveraging those relationships to further group research goals and increase business volume.

This position will require the selected candidate to be able to obtain a DOE Security Clearance. BSRA is required by DOE to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, criminal records, and employment history, and education verifications. Positions with BSRA require applicants to have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L or Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Factors such as pre‑employment background review results, dual citizenship status, and unpaid and/or unfiled taxes may impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. This list of factors is not exhaustive; pre‑employment information and security clearance requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed.
• Short‑ & Long‑Term Disability (company paid).
• Life Insurance Non‑Contributory 1X salary (company paid).
• AD&D Non‑contributory 1x salary (company paid).
• Qualified Non‑Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting.
• Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match).
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap.
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children).
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee…