Post Doctorate Research Associate - Nuclear Non-Proliferation

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, Integrated Discovery 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 National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them.

Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

The Nuclear Signatures Group seeks a postdoctoral scientist to support nuclear non-proliferation research through a combination of mathematical modeling and data analysis. The group focuses on nuclear explosion monitoring, safeguards, emergency response, and arms control, with an emphasis on radiation detection. In addition, space security is an emerging area for the group. Candidates should have some combination of experience in nuclear simulation and analysis involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing.

A general aptitude for nuclear physics simulation and strong data analysis skills is essential. Additionally, familiarity or interest with dosimetry, radiation detection systems, detector response modeling, materials modeling, thermal and radiative chemical signatures would be useful. The candidate must be able to conduct independent research as well integrate with and work well in a team.

• Conducts research and development activities using the theories and principles of physics.
• Specific research areas range from the structure and properties of matter; electromagnetic system design; nuclear, particle, electromagnetic phenomena.
• Physicists may design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems deployed internationally and domestically.
• Physicists routinely engage in complex, data-intensive analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, or related nuclear-centric disciplines.
• Experience involving radiation transport modeling, reactor physics, and nuclear data processing.
• Familiarity with software such as MCNP, SCALE, GEANT, and/or similar nuclear simulation codes.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex data sets.
• Good understanding of nuclear physics, including radiation detection and measurement.
• Experience with CFD and Multiphysics simulation software like: COMSOL, Ansys, Sim Flow, etc.
• Experience utilizing artificial intelligence in their work.
• Experience in or aptitude for a programming language, preferably C++ or Python.
• Willing to learn new skills and support other nuclear non-proliferation projects as required.

Not Applicable..

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation:
  Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix
  
  B.
• Drug Testing:
  All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note:

Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if…