Post Doctorate RA - Earth/Materials Science

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 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. Responsibilities The Nuclear Material Processing (NMP) group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking an Earth or Materials Science Post-Doctoral Researcher 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 and demonstrated knowledge of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy (electron or optical microscopy based) applied to a variety of material types (e.g., silicates, semiconductors, etc.). Additionally, the candidate should have demonstrated experience with relevant material characterization tools (e.g., Raman Spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence). Experience with micro-beam solid sampling techniques like electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is desired but not required. Experience working in radiological fume hoods and gloveboxes is also desired but not required. Experience in metallographic sample preparation, electropolishing, ion polishing, any other electron microscopy techniques, and film deposition methods, especially magnetron sputter deposition, are all desired but not required. The successful candidate will work with senior team members as a contributor to the broad program of NMP group research. The candidate’s contributions will derive from their ability to propose technical alternatives on existing projects and efforts, ultimately leading to the development of new proposal concepts. The candidate will work independently to complete recurring assignments and define/lead project work at a small task/project level, reporting results to the larger team on time and within budget. They will be expected to contribute to proposals as well as embrace expectations for quality, safety, and security in all aspects of the job. The Earth/Materials Science Post-Doctoral Researcher will be responsible for applying advanced knowledge of spectroscopic techniques to investigate the electronic and vibronic properties of both natural and synthetic materials. The candidate will be responsible for investigating, synthesizing, and developing analytical methods and standard analytical protocols. Specific research areas include chemistry, materials science, nuclear materials, earth materials, ceramic science, and corrosion science. Qualifications 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. Degree in Earth Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or other related field Preferred Qualifications Degree in Earth Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or other related field Experience…

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