Radiation Detector Expert

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 Ensuring the safety of U.S. residents and visitors remains one of the nation’s foremost priorities. As adversaries acquire more advanced technologies and materials, threats have become increasingly sophisticated and multifaceted, encompassing cyber, nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons of mass effect, as well as other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. With scientific advancements grounded in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools, PNNL is enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of technologies and systems dedicated to national security. Supported by extensive expertise in radiological and nuclear materials, advanced computing, threat analysis, and a robust foundation in fundamental science, we continuously identify and address emerging threats that have considerable implications both domestically and internationally. PNNL’s Nuclear Signatures Group develops technology for treaty verification, national security, safeguards, and arms control. Its work is diverse and includes research and systems development for detecting radionuclides from nuclear explosions, supporting international safeguards, and verifying nuclear warheads. The connecting focus across the group’s activities is using nuclear signatures to support monitoring and verification efforts. The Nuclear Signatures Group is looking for a highly motivated, capable individual with experience related to the atmospheric transport modeling (ATM) of radionuclides to support our nuclear explosion monitoring mission. The primary job responsibility will be to ATM‑related efforts supporting our nuclear explosion monitoring mission. In addition, the successful candidate will support other complex data analysis efforts. The candidate needs to have the ability to perform in‑depth research independently and collaborate effectively in a team. The work will involve preparing manuscripts for publication and presenting work internally and externally. It is expected that over time through experience at PNNL, the successful candidate will steward new research opportunities. 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. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- MS/MA -OR- PhD Preferred Qualifications: A PhD in Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics or Nuclear Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics. Strong understanding of radiation detection concepts, such as isotopes, decay, spectroscopy, coincidence detection from a radionuclide release, and backgrounds. Experience with HYSPLIT, WRF, Geographic Information Systems, HPC. Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency with at least one of the following languages: Fortran, C++, Python, and MATLAB. Strong analytical thinking, curiosity, attention to detail, and collaborative abilities. Experience with dispersion modeling. Experience using high‑performance computing. Experience with developing and/or using sensor network analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated critical thinking. Effective communication in small groups and public settings. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Handling and use of sealed radioactive sources for radiation detection measurements. Occasional travel (domestic and international). Occasional task activities may be performed outdoors in laboratory and/or field conditions. Security and Eligibility Requirements This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A federal background investigation review includes employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. 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, requiring pre‑employment drug testing and post‑employment random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act. Applicants must be able to demonstrate non‑use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months prior to completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Benefits 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 automatically enrolled in a company‑funded pension plan and may enroll in a 401(k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. Fees may vary based on eligibility; research associates excluded. Compensation Minimum Salary: USD $100,100.00 per year. Maximum Salary: USD $150,200.00 per year. 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 and consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr