Physicist 4
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11740 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $148,000-$233,900/yr
Duties
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 Perform hands-on R&D in radiation detection technologies; measure, analyze, and characterize radiation signatures supporting interdiction, nonproliferation, treaty verification, safeguards, and nuclear incident response. Plan and execute laboratory and field tests/experiments, including test setup, test plans, schedules, risk assessments, and required documentation. Analyze radiation detection datasets; conduct technical assessments, performance evaluations, and failure/equipment analyses; participate in peer reviews. Develop, review, and provide SME input on operating procedures, documentation, and best practices for radiation detection systems and missions (including ConOps, T&E approaches, and guidance). Provide technical input on design, hardware integration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of radiation detection systems. Conduct modeling and simulation using physics-based tools; interpret and communicate simulation outputs to assess signatures/fields from radioactive materials. Contribute to emerging standards, regulations, and stakeholder requirements related to radiation detection and radioactive materials. Prepare and deliver project outputs (data packages, reports, briefings, and hardware samples as needed). Lead/coordinate project execution: define scope and milestones, develop integrated work plans, track progress against deliverables, and manage action items to closure. Manage resources to meet project objectives: coordinate staff assignments, lab/field logistics, equipment procurement/calibration, and vendor/subcontractor support as needed. Support budget and reporting activities: develop cost estimates, monitor burn rates, and provide status updates to sponsors/stakeholders. Facilitate technical and programmatic reviews: organize readiness reviews, capture decisions, and maintain project documentation/configuration control. Identify and manage project risks/issues: implement mitigations, ensure safety/compliance requirements are met, and support corrective/preventive actions. Engage stakeholders and partners: align requirements, manage expectations, and communicate timelines, constraints, and results. Mentor students and early-career staff; contribute effectively within collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or closely related field Demonstrated ability to select and develop technical approaches to complex, high-consequence detection challenges, delivering results with strong quality, safety, and security rigor. Experience serving as PI or co-PI on multiple and/or significantly complex or high-risk projects/tasks, including work spanning multiple capabilities and organizations. Demonstrated success developing new project opportunities and contributing to proposal development, including leading technical sections of small-to-medium proposals. Strong technical expertise in radiation detection relevant to border/security missions (e.g., gamma/neutron detection and spectroscopy; source identification; shielding/attenuation effects; nuisance alarm reduction; operations in cluttered environments). Experience with deployable detector systems and field constraints: integration of detectors, front-end electronics, data acquisition, calibration, environmental/operational testing, reliability, maintainability, and user-facing procedures/training. Experience with semiconductor and/or spectroscopic detector technologies applicable to screening and interdiction (e.g., HPGe, CZT, scintillators, neutron-sensitive detectors), including characterization and performance trade studies. Software proficiency (Python, C/C++ or similar) for data acquisition, real-time processing, spectral analysis, and algorithm development; use of version control and reproducible workflows. Strong grounding in counting statistics and uncertainty; experience applying statistical decision methods for detection/classification (information theory experience is a plus). Demonstrated record of impact through technical products, including lead author/developer contributions (e.g., technical reports, publications, software/hardware artifacts, system designs). Evidence of growing external engagement in the professional community (e.g., presenting at national meetings; organizing/chairing sessions is a plus). Ability and experience working effectively with government sponsors and operational stakeholders; communicating technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Additional Information 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 non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated. Testing Designated Position This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. About PNNL 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 people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk”
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or closely related field Demonstrated ability to select and develop technical approaches to complex, high-consequence detection challenges, delivering results with strong quality, safety, and security rigor. Experience serving as PI or co-PI on multiple and/or significantly complex or high-risk projects/tasks, including work spanning multiple capabilities and organizations. Demonstrated success developing new project opportunities and contributing to proposal development, including leading technical sections of small-to-medium proposals. Strong technical expertise in radiation detection relevant to border/security missions (e.g., gamma/neutron detection and spectroscopy; source identification; shielding/attenuation effects; nuisance alarm reduction; operations in cluttered environments). Experience with deployable detector systems and field constraints: integration of detectors, front-end electronics, data acquisition, calibration, environmental/operational testing, reliability, maintainability, and user-facing procedures/training. Experience with semiconductor and/or spectroscopic detector technologies applicable to screening and interdiction (e.g., HPGe, CZT, scintillators, neutron-sensitive detectors), including characterization and performance trade studies. Software proficiency (Python, C/C++ or similar) for data acquisition, real-time processing, spectral analysis, and algorithm development; use of version control and reproducible workflows. Strong grounding in counting statistics and uncertainty; experience applying statistical decision methods for detection/classification (information theory experience is a plus). Demonstrated record of impact through technical products, including lead author/developer contributions (e.g., technical reports, publications, software/hardware artifacts, system designs). Evidence of growing external engagement in the professional community (e.g., presenting at national meetings; organizing/chairing sessions is a plus). Ability and experience working effectively with government sponsors and operational stakeholders; communicating technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $148,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $233,900.00/Yr.