Biochemist 1 - Project Hire

at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Springfield, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Overview

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex-from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and 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. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities-rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools-are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

The PNNL national security mission employs scientific discovery and capabilities-rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools-are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Ultimately our mission helps to identify and counter emerging threats that can have significant impact at home and around the globe. The Chemical & Biological Signature (CBS) group is a highly interdisciplinary group of approximately 50 biologists, chemists, and data scientists that solve research and development problems related to chemical and biological detection, characterization and forensic type problems. Much of the work involves ultra trace detection in complex samples including environmental, food, or biological samples, and is directed toward national security missions to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

We are searching for a biochemist to join the Analytical Chemistry team in the Chemical and Biological Signatures (CBS) group, specifically to contribute to biofouling/antibiofouling projects. The successful candidate will be a versatile individual with both applied/hands-on laboratory experience as well as a general understanding of a broad range of measurement and characterization techniques. He or she will be a member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and program managers and will be expected to build networks within and external to the CBS group. Preference will be given to candidates with strength and experience in two or more of the following fields: laboratory methods, materials synthesis and characterization, and biological interactions with surface materials.

Responsibilities

· Applying biochemistry principles to assess and quantify the effect of biofouling in marine and freshwater environments.

· Working in technical teams to complete project tasks on time and within scope and budget.

· Recommending technical approaches and making technical contributions that affect the direction of the research.

· Working in laboratory and field settings to independently conduct experiments and record and analyze data.

· Thoroughly documenting experiments, including methods and results.

· Writing clearly communicated reports of research findings.

This position is 20+ hours per week. Additionally, this is a Project Hire position. It is anticipated that this assignment will end in July 2025 and is subject to change.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BS/BA or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

+ BS in Biochemistry

+ Experience evaluating biofouling and antifouling performance of advanced materials.

+ Experience with biofouling measurement and characterization techniques.

+ Experience with analysis of data from biofouling experiments, including image data.

+ Completed training to maintain safety with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory setting.

+ Demonstrated oral and written communication skills (e.g., co-author of an accepted or pending peer-reviewed journal article, presenter at technical conferences).

+ Demonstrated record of simultaneously balancing multiple projects and tasks.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

This position may require laboratory and field experimental work involving exposure to hazardous chemicals and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards. This position will primarily support remote work but will require travel to PNNL facilities in Washington or field sites in other states for experimental studies.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

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 candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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 until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 indi