Glass Lab Technician 2
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-11820 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $27-$39/hr
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 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 Nuclear Sciences Division , part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, delivers science and technology innovations for the environment, energy, and national security. At a time when complex challenges are emerging on many fronts, we address some of the most challenging national and international nuclear issues. This includes providing technological solutions that protect the public health and safety around nuclear facilities, developing durable new materials for extreme nuclear environments, innovating new nuclear processes for the safety and security of the nation, and delivering new approaches for accelerating environmental cleanup of nuclear sites. The division’s capabilities and efforts are focused on environmental management of nuclear sites, nuclear regulatory processes, national nuclear security, and advancing nuclear energy. Responsibilities Conducts research and development activities including standard technical procedures that range from routine to specialized, under technical supervision. Operates in laboratory workspaces equipped with fume hoods, glove boxes and with specialized instrumentation in order to conduct research. At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy. The Radiological Materials (RM) group at PNNL is a world leader in development and testing of materials for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes. Specific areas of noted expertise are in formulation, synthesis, and characterization of vitreous and cementitious materials. This position will work with and assist scientists, engineers, senior technicians, and other collaborators in conducting the research and development (R&D) process in the general area of materials development and testing. The primary functions of this position are to fabricate samples, operate analytical equipment, perform laboratory-based experiments, and provide technical coordination in support of a variety of R&D projects. Most of the work will be in the Waste Form Development Laboratory and will involve preparation and characterization of nuclear waste forms (e.g., glasses, ceramics, cementitious materials) for immobilization of radioactive wastes. The majority of the work is non-rad and is conducted using simulant materials. Other activities may include work with developing and testing other waste form materials, general chemistry tasks and material corrosion evaluations using electrochemical and microscopy techniques. The staff member will conduct tests, generate records, and reduce/evaluate data as appropriate for use by others. The work includes following procedures for operating test systems on the bench-top and in laboratory fume hoods involving hazardous and radioactive material as well as toxic and flammable gases and liquids at high temperatures (≥1000 °C) and pressures. The work also includes following procedures to provide a high level of quality assurance (QA), which requires that accurate records be kept and maintained and that the laboratory and QA procedures are followed precisely. The technician position provides the opportunity to work on a wide and diverse list of tasks and projects, offering a variety of new challenges as the priorities, customers, and workscopes change with time. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians to primarily test various nuclear waste form materials (e.g., cements, glass, ceramics) or in the chemical treatment of nuclear wastes or other complex systems. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ability and enthusiasm to learn laboratory techniques, sample preparation methods, and safe operation of laboratory equipment. Coursework, training, or exposure to chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related scientific disciplines. Highly adaptive to support a broad range of projects. The ability to work well with large teams. Self-starter able to work with limited direction to accomplish unique tasks in a laboratory environment Capability to learn, implement, and compliantly execute the broad range of tasks. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Laboratory work will be performed in PNNL laboratory facilities under safety controls and involves working with high temperatures (≥1000 °C) and pressures, selected hazardous chemicals (acids, bases, etc.), trace levels of hazardous materials (RCRA heavy metals), and fine powders (silica) 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” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are a
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: Ability and enthusiasm to learn laboratory techniques, sample preparation methods, and safe operation of laboratory equipment. Coursework, training, or exposure to chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related scientific disciplines. Highly adaptive to support a broad range of projects. The ability to work well with large teams. Self-starter able to work with limited direction to accomplish unique tasks in a laboratory environment Capability to learn, implement, and compliantly execute the broad range of tasks.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $27.07/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $38.56/Hr.