Earth 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 Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or interactions of these systems with human activities. Uses scientific principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or integrated assessment.

• Building a reputation through application of ecological principles and understanding of regulatory frameworks and setting technical direction to solve complex challenges for the hydropower community.
• Conducting and designing field, laboratory, and analysis energy impact studies using molecular and geochemistry approaches.
• Building effective project teams, networks and mentoring junior staff. Effectively teaming to share resources and optimize research.
• Serving as task lead while integrating capabilities of work team members. Defining and leading project work, reporting results on time and on budget. Defining or supports scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level.
• Generating new ideas for proposals and business development opportunities while leading development of technical section of small to medium proposals. Demonstrating desire to acquire funding for self with programmatic impact.
• Presenting at national or international forums. Member of external professional community, establishing a leadership role therein.
• Leading technical products with a growing influence.
• Embracing expectations for quality, safety, and security. Communicating their importance within their work team.
• Complying with PNNL's policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA
  -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in natural resources, fisheries biology, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, or related field from an accredited college or university
• 2 years postdoctoral experience
• Strong publication record
• Understanding of national and regional energy-related natural resource issues
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong laboratory experience in otolith microchemistry and crystallography
• Expertise in mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Strong field, laboratory, and analysis skills in population genetics and environmental DNA techniques
• Experience leading field crews
• Managing large datasets and data analysis (MS Excel, R Programming, etc.)
• Understanding of hydropower regulatory environmental assessments
• Experience using HEC-RAS software to quantify fish habitat
• Desirable characteristics include attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, possession of a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals

Not Applicable

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven…