Analytical Scientist

What You Will Do

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 successful applicant will perform analytical chemistry measurements on actinide materials, including plutonium, uranium and associated process materials. Responsibilities include sample preparation, general 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.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined for Scientist 2, at the Scientist 3 level:

• Serves as a technical lead and recognized subject matter expert in plutonium assay and/or interstitial chemistry measurements.
• Develops novel analytical approaches and technical solutions to address complex analytical challenges associated with actinide materials.
• Leads method development, validation, uncertainty analysis, and implementation activities. This also applies to process improvements of PA/IC team methods.
• Provides technical direction for troubleshooting analytical processes and resolving measurement anomalies.
• Influences technical strategy and execution for analytical chemistry activities supporting major laboratory programs.
• Develops technical standards, procedures, and best practices for analytical measurements.
• Contributes to peer‑review publications, technical reports, and programmatic deliverables.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts that improve analytical performance, measurement quality, and operational efficiency.

• 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.

• Demonstrated understanding of principles of…