Advisor 4

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.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Advisor for Emerging Threats, and as a member the Innovative Security Solutions Group, you will provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise to research related to national security and energy related threats, and the nexus to cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, data analytics and other domains, while maintaining a willingness to explore other emerging issues in national security. You will directly support our U.S. National Security Sponsors, leading innovative projects and programs, developing detailed technical reports and presentations, and presenting research findings both internally and to sponsors. You will also lead initiatives to ensure that PNNL’s capabilities are aligned with our sponsor needs in light of global trends in national security, and develop new capabilities where needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

+ Use extensive experience in a field of specialty, possessing a comprehensive understanding of existing theories, principles, and concepts in those fields to provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which no precedents or past practice exists.

+ Resolve problems that frequently require mastery of specialized techniques using high degrees of ingenuity and creativity.

+ Demonstrate well-recognized national influence and skilled consensus building.

+ Exert positive influence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups with internal and external organizations, the public, and the community.

+ Is often sought out to work on key project teams and regularly collaborates and negotiates with senior national/international government officials as a PNNL and DOE representative.

+ Makes recommendations that set precedent for future decisions and strongly influence national/international policies and decisions at highest levels.

+ Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and new ways of thinking.

+ Ability to quickly understand key concepts in new domains and to communicate effectively with technical staff, laboratory leaders, and sponsors, including a strong ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

+ Strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple competing demands under pressure.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience OR

+ MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Deep expertise in areas of national security and the energy sector and the intersection of these threats with cyber security, data analytics and other domains.

+ Extensive analytic experience in threat assessment and gap analysis leveraging traditional and novel analytic processes, tools, and techniques.

+ Knowledge of the Department of Defense.

+ Ability to generate creative solutions that will help address some of the most technically and politically complex national security issues of today.

+ Capability to build and lead impactful, mission-relevant technical programs.

+ A passion for learning new application domains and applying advanced tools and methods to new problems.

+ Leading publications, reports, briefings, and other external engagements.

+ Providing guidance on technical approaches and sponsor engagement strategies and identifying and mitigating political sensitivities.

+ Acting as an advisor to technical staff to help teams meet delivery schedules and resolve problems.

+ Maintaining effective and working relations with Laboratory staff and sponsor officials at all levels.

+ Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and a reputation for integrity and trust.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

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, st