Materials Scientist

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Join to apply for the Materials Scientist 1 role at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Overview

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures.

PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Overview

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures.

PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

PNNL is seeking a Materials Scientist to join a team of multidisciplinary scientists and engineers working to strengthen national security and advance nuclear science. The ideal candidate will have hands on experience in the science of metallurgical processing (e.g., arc melting, casting/alloying, cutting, thermomechanical processing), optical profilometry and microscopy (e.g., surface roughness, metallography preparation, film thickness, GD&T), bulk material property characterization (e.g., particle size analysis and density determination,) and performing independent laboratory work.

Work activities could include research of actinide metals that includes the use of induction melters, abrasive and metallurgical saws, metallography preparation, vacuum systems, furnaces, sputter coating, and microscopy. Many laboratory activities will occur in fumehoods and inert or air-based glove boxes. While you will be expected to become a proficient independent scientist, most of our research is executed within a team-based framework and you’ll be expected to develop strong interprofessional networks.

Outside of the laboratory you’ll be responsible for data processing, interpretation, and presenting research internally and externally.

Responsibilities

Spans fundamental materials science to applied materials engineering. Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties of various natural, synthetic, and composite materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, rubber, glass, and combinations of these materials. Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales and performs short- and long-term characterization, modeling, or testing of these materials to understand their behavior and determine ways to improve…