Scientist, Research Scientist

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply. The C-AAC (Actinide Analytical Chemistry) Group within the Chemistry Division has a position available for a Scientist 1 or 2 in the Heat Source Plutonium Analytical Chemistry Team working in the Plutonium Facility (PF-4). PF-4 is an operational Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Performing hands‑on glovebox work including sample preparation, chemical analysis and instrument operation.
• The individual will perform work primarily for the heat source Pu (Pu-238) program, but opportunities to cross‑train in Pu-239 operations may be available.
• Knowledge and/or experience in chemical dissolutions, radio chemical separations, alpha and gamma spectrometry sample preparation and counting, FRAM, DC Arc spectrometry, UV‑VIS spectrophotometry, interstitial analysis of plutonium materials, and/or complex data reduction and analysis.
• Job duties will also include assisting in standard preparation, sample preparation and sample batch runs.
• Work will include data reduction/calculations, interpretation, and reporting.
• The selected candidate will ultimately support and perform the chemical analysis of 238
  
  PuO2 fuel materials, as well as instrument troubleshooting, procedure writing, process troubleshooting and method improvement.
• Position requires the candidate to have an understanding/experience with data quality assurance, data reduction, data review, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) use.
• The applicant must have substantial experience working in a research or production laboratory.
• Job duties will require qualification as a fissile material handler (FMH) worker.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a small team with specific deliverables including excellent communication, organizational, planning, and scheduling skills.
• Maintain functional analytical operations and provide regular updates to line management.
• Manage time effectively to deal with changing priorities.
• Work with group management and team leaders to resolve conflicting demands.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork in accomplishing objectives, including mentoring and motivating peers.

Work is routinely carried out in open front hoods and glove boxes and requires the use of protective clothing and equipment and use of a full‑face respirator. Selected candidate will be expected to be, or develop into, an expert in one or more technical areas within the team. Candidates must be familiar with chemical laboratory operations. Teamwork, flexibility, and cross‑training are emphasized.

The successful candidate will report to the Team Lead and C‑AAC line management. This group is responsible for chemical analysis and chemical certification of products generated in the plutonium facility.

• Thorough knowledge of and experience performing work in a manufacturing environment and executing work in compliance with facility requirements, conduct of operations, conducts of engineering, and conduct of maintenance standards.
• Demonstrated experience working with confidential or proprietary information, classified documents or sensitive information.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills as evidenced by internal and/or external interactions, seminars, briefings, presentations, and/or publications.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, and ability to interact with all levels of personnel and customers.
• Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which usually requires US citizenship.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute chemical techniques to help achieve program‑relevant goals.
• Demonstrated understanding of the scientific principles relevant to chemical characterization of actinides.
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving analytical methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise scientific judgement.

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education…