Post Doctorate RA - Materials Scientist, Anti-Fouling Materials

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.OverviewProtecting 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.ResponsibilitiesThe Chemical and Biological Signatures Group (CBS) is an interdisciplinary group of approximately 50 biologists, chemists, and engineers that solve research and development problems related to national security missions. CBS is seeking a materials scientist to support multiple efforts to develop new anti-fouling coatings that can reduce the impacts of invasive mussels and other organisms on hydropower and marine energy structures. The goal of this research and development is to significantly reduce biofouling on hard, soft, and flexible surfaces to enable longer operational lifetimes, reduced costs, and more reliable operations. Successful candidates will be expected to guide development and adaptation of coatings for use-specific application and will do so while achieving coatings that are strong, abrasion resistant, self-healing, renewable, low cost and easy to apply. Successful candidates will also be versatile individuals with both applied/hands-on laboratory experience as well as a general understanding of a broad range of materials synthesis, measurement, and characterization techniques. They 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, polymer and composite materials and coatings, and surface materials.Responsibilities will include:Applying established materials science techniques and independently developing new methods and procedures in a research and development laboratory

Working in technical teams to complete well defined project tasks on time and within scope and budget

Recommending technical approaches and making technical contributions that may ultimately affect the direction of the research

Working in a laboratory to independently conduct experiments and record and analyze data

Thoroughly documenting experiments, including methods and results, and writing summaries of research performed that can be used in technical reports and peer-review publications

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:Experience with wide range of chemical and materials measurement and characterization techniques.

Demonstrated technical aptitude in a laboratory environment

Excellent oral and written communication skills Experience simultaneously balancing multiple projects and tasks

Experience working in interdisciplinary teams

Preferred Education:PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field

Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentThis position will require extensive experimental work involving exposure to typical laboratory chemicals and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards. This position will require in person work that must be conducted under COVID-related safety protocols.Additional InformationNot applicable.Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated position.Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur 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 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 hr@pnnl.gov .Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.Mandatory RequirementsBattelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.