Analytical Scientist

Overview

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group within Chemistry Division is looking for a Scientist to join the Plutonium Assay/Interstitial Chemistry (PA/IC) team. The position serves the Laboratory's core national security mission areas of weapons science and threat reduction. The successful applicant will perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, including plutonium, uranium and associated process materials. Responsibilities include sample preparation, wet chemistry, bulk dissolutions and solution aliquoting, chemical separations, analytical method implementation and development, data analysis, uncertainty evaluation, technical reporting, and troubleshooting of analytical processes.

The selected applicant will work closely with operations personnel, technicians, scientists and customers to provide timely and defensible analytical results in support of laboratory missions. The position requires application of scientific principles to solve analytical challenges, improve laboratory processes, and ensure the quality and reliability of analytical measurements performed on nuclear materials.

• Performs routine, unsupervised measurements and data evaluations associated with PA/IC team activities.
• Contributes to improvement of the QA/QC posture of the PA/IC task area through development of analytical methods with continuous improvement to both accuracy and precision.
• Contributes to the technical basis and QA/QC of analytical measurements supporting nuclear material operations.
• Independently executes analytical work while contributing to larger team objectives and customer deliverables.
• Identifies and implements process improvements that enhance measurement quality, efficiency, and turnaround time.
• Mentors technicians and junior staff in PA/IC analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory operations.
• Maintains technical expertise in analytical chemistry and actinide characterization methods.
• Communicates technical results effectively to customers, collaborators, and line management.
• Works effectively in a collaborative team environment with changing priorities.
• Effective communications both oral and written with various collaborating teams.

• Significant knowledge of analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, actinide chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, or related disciplines acquired through education and/or experience.
• Experience performing quantitative chemical analyses and interpreting analytical data.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving analytical methods.
• Experience with uncertainty evaluation, data quality assessment, and technical reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise scientific judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a highly regulated nuclear facility environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.
• Ability to follow procedures and perform work in accordance with Conduct of Operations, Quality Assurance, and Nuclear Safety requirements.

Education/Experience at lower level:
Positions requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level:
Position requires a Master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

• Demonstrated understanding of principles of scientific integrity relating to actinide assays.

• Experience performing plutonium assay measurement and/or analytical characterization of actinide materials.
• Experience with wet chemistry analytical techniques including titrimetric, gravimetric, spectroscopic, chromatographic, or radio chemical methods.
• Experience working with plutonium, uranium, americium or other radioactive materials.
• Familiarity with nuclear material…