Mid-Level Scientist 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. 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 solutions to address complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials. This position is intended for a scientist who can bridge technical work and project execution. The successful candidate will contribute scientific and analytical expertise while helping coordinate people, resources, deliverables, and decisions across a complex research portfolio. The role may be tailored toward laboratory technical support, project coordination, or a combination of both, depending on the candidate's experience and organizational needs. The Mid-Level Scientist will provide technical, operational, and project support across multidisciplinary research and development activities. Responsibilities may include: Coordinate technical activities across multiple research tasks, ensuring consistent methods, documentation, personnel assignments, and deliverables. Support planning and execution of laboratory, analytical, and technology-development activities. Serve as a technical point of contact for scientists, engineers, project managers, facility personnel, and external sponsors. Help identify, communicate, and resolve technical, resource, facility, procurement, and schedule issues. Support laboratory and facility planning, including equipment needs, space coordination, configuration changes, and interactions with crafts and support organizations. Review technical documents, quarterly reports, work plans, presentations, and other project deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and clarity. Participate in project meetings, capture action items and decisions, and support follow-through across technical teams. Prepare technical briefings, status updates, figures, and other communications for internal leadership and external sponsors. Contribute to project planning, scope development, cost and schedule discussions, risk identification, and change management. Work collaboratively across organizational boundaries to coordinate shared resources and maintain project alignment. Develop toward increased responsibility in technical leadership, project leadership, or programmatic coordination. Depending on experience and project needs, perform or oversee laboratory and analytical work in support of research programs. Promote a positive, collaborative, and learning-oriented work environment, particularly during periods of changing scope, priorities, or project demands. Spans fundamental materials science to applied materials engineering. Synthesizes and studies the structures and physical/chemical properties of various natural, synthetic, and composite materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, rubber, glass, and combinations of these materials. Studies the structures of materials from atomic to large length scales and performs short- and long-term characterization, modeling, or testing of these materials to understand their behavior and determine ways to improve them or develop new materials with specific properties. Develops individual steps and combined processes for manufacturing, joining, finishing, treating, and strengthening materials. Develops computational models of materials that describe structures, properties, and performance of materials. Specific research areas include physics, chemistry, materials science, materials engineering, glass science, ceramic science, metallurgy, manufacturing and process engineering, corrosion science, and polymer science.
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience Relevant experience is defined by: experience supporting multidisciplinary scientific or engineering projects in a research, national laboratory, academic, industrial environment, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates would ideally possess some combination of the following:
Advanced degree in chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may also be considered.
Background in processing chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, nuclear science, or a closely related technical discipline.
Experience coordinating activities across multiple technical tasks, teams, laboratories, or organizations.
Demonstrated ability to translate technical information into clear project plans, status updates, presentations, and sponsor communications.
Experience with laboratory operations, equipment planning, procurement, facility modifications, or coordination with engineering and crafts organizations.
Familiarity with technical project management practices, including scope definition, work planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and change control.
Experience reviewing technical reports, work plans, presentations, or other formal project deliverables.
Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, technicians, project managers, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to evolving project requirements.
Interest in developing technical, project, or program leadership capabilities.
Experience working with federal sponsors, national laboratory programs, or other highly regulated research environments.
The incumbent must be able/willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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
