PNNL

Nuclear Signatures Group Position

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.

Responsibilities include:

• 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:

• 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

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.