Research​/Development Technician, Research Scientist

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment.

In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage.

We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale‑up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an Analytical Chemistry Technician to support our Analytical Center and assist with laboratory reactor operations. This role is hands‑on and varied: you will prepare and analyze samples, support researchers across multiple directorates, and help operate and maintain lab‑scale reactor systems.

Success in this position depends on excellent housekeeping, strong attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to safe, disciplined laboratory work. We are willing to train a motivated candidate with solid fundamentals and the right mindset.

Analytical & Sample Support

• Prepare samples for analysis (e.g., aliquoting, dilution, filtration, digestion, extraction) following established procedures and quality practices.
• Perform routine analytical measurements using established techniques (may include chromatography, spectroscopy, titration, gravimetric methods, and related approaches).
• Accurately record observations, instrument conditions, and results in lab notebooks and/or electronic systems; organize data for review by technical staff.
• Support method execution and basic troubleshooting under technical supervision; elevate issues appropriately.

Laboratory Reactor Operations (Lab‑Scale)

• Assist with setup, operation, and shutdown of laboratory reactor systems (e.g., bench‑scale or pilot‑scale) under supervision and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Prepare feeds, manage consumables, verify system readiness, monitor operating parameters, and document runs with a high level of accuracy.
• Perform routine system checks (leak checks, line purges, pressure/temperature verification where applicable), sampling during runs, and post‑run cleanup.
• Support safe handling of chemicals/gases and proper management of waste streams associated with reactor testing.

Housekeeping, Safety, and Reliability

• Maintain exceptional laboratory housekeeping: clean work areas, organized storage, labeled containers, timely waste disposal, and readiness for audits/inspections.
• Follow safety requirements (PPE, hazard communication, chemical hygiene, equipment safety) and contribute to continuous improvement in lab safety practices.
• Conduct…