DOE-EM; EMGFP Post Masters Fellow - Chemistry, Materials Sciences & Engineering

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s science enterprise, with Core capabilities divided into Directorates focused on scientific research and other functions. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers solutions for the nation’s energy and environmental challenges, while the Nuclear Sciences Division focuses on nuclear site environmental management, regulatory processes, and national security. The Radiological Materials (RM) group leads development and testing of materials for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes.

• Review literature and develop experimental plans to synthesize and evaluate nuclear waste forms, including cements and grout.

• Plan experiments, write test plans, produce test samples, perform experiments, and prepare technical reports and journal papers.

• Operate high‑end analysis equipment: XRD, XRF, SEM/EDS, and perform physical characterizations (flexural, compressive, tensile strength, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, etc.).

• Collaborate with an inter‑disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians on nuclear waste immobilization and long‑term performance research.

• Contribute to the Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) and DOE‑EM mission to cleanup legacy radioactive waste at Hanford.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree earned within the past 24 months or to be earned within the next 8 months from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Laboratory experience in materials synthesis, characterization, or related research.

• Research involves exposure to radiological materials and typical laboratory chemicals; conditions are assessed and managed to prevent hazards.
• Candidates will need to obtain Radiological Worker II certification to conduct testing in designated radiological areas.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible for this position. This role requires access to sensitive systems; compliance with the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program is required.

• New employees must obtain a HSPD‑12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential through a federal background investigation.
• Foreign nationals who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are ineligible for the PIV credential and must obtain a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) determination.
• All candidates must declare any illegal drug activities in the last 1–7 years; possession of marijuana or cannabis derivatives is prohibited.

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that treats all individuals fairly and respectfully. The Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided.

DOE prohibits employees or contractors from having any affiliation with a foreign government designated as a “country of risk” without explicit DOE and Battelle approval. Applicants must disclose any such affiliations and recuse themselves or obtain approval prior to employment.

Minimum Salary: USD $80,500.00 per year.

Maximum Salary: USD $ per year.