Radiochemistry Scientist

Position: Radiochemistry Scientist 2/3
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position is open for external candidates only to apply.*
* The Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) Group within the Chemistry Division is looking for a Scientist to join the Radiochemistry team. The position serves the Plutonium and Actinide Science Transformational Capability.

The candidate will perform research involving laboratory work developing and optimizing radio chemical methods for the actinide elements in a variety of matrices, associated separation science, and nuclear counting (alpha, gamma, and liquid scintillation) determinations. The position requires the ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment and interact with co-workers with a variety of expertise in the development, validation, and implementation of analytical techniques for a variety of national security applications.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for performing sample analyses in support of programmatic objectives, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and ensuring the continued operation of the laboratory.

This position will be filled at either the Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

** Scientist 2 $ 106,400-$176,000*
* + Contributes to the improvement of the QA/QC posture of the Radiochemistry team through development of analytical methods with improved accuracy and precision.

+   Works unsupervised on Radiochemistry instrumentation in support of development and programatic team efforts. Makes scientific judgments that affect project direction but often seeks feedback and receives input. May contribute to milestones and objectives of multiple projects.

+   Develops new methods, techniques, or approaches to address critical technical problems in measurements of plutonium, uranium, americium and/or neptunium isotopes using Radiochemistry instrumentation. Communicates results through appropriate channels in a secure manner.

+   Working knowledge of coding langues for data processing and instrument interfacing.

+   Contributes to measurement of routine samples for various customers and to the improvement of the analytical processes to facilitate faster reporting of results. Aquires subject matter expert (SME) qualifications for the radiochemistry methods within the team.

+   Mentors junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth. May mentor students and/orpost-docs. Train junior staff on operation of Radiochemistry instrumentation and in the preparation/separation/measurement of actinide isotopes.

+   Maintains state-of-the-art technical expertise and knowledge within the Radiochemistry team and develops new skills in related disciplines. Performs peer review within own organization/discipline.

+   Effective communications, both oral and written, with various collaborating teams.

+   Work in a team environment with collaborative methods and interfaces.

+   Manage time effectively with changing priorities and tracks time & effort according to institutional policies.

** Scientist 3 $ 128,000-$215,900*
* In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at the Scientist 3 level:

+ Develops technical approaches, using creativity in applying standard practices and procedures, and leads technical decisions, including selection of technical alternatives, for assigned work.

+   Evaluates instrumental data for measurement uncertainty and in the evaluation/interpretation of analytical data.

+   Troubleshoots Radiochemistry instrumentation based on data from traceable standards collected as part of routine measurements.

+   Contributes to the development of journal papers and technical reports.

+   Makes decisions and/or recommendations that influence the achievement of key programmaticobjectives and may contribute to the development of technical standards.

+   May attain additional certifications, qualifications, and/or professionalrecognitions, including pursuit of funding opportunities that align with the group's mission.

+   Maintains/improves/streamlines work execution in collaboration with others on the team.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* + Advanced knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following analytical techniques: aqueous chemistry,  chemical separations, actinide sample preparation, alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting, and/or other…