Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

PNNL’s scientific discoveryand capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security.. 2 years of experience in radiation spectroscopy and detector systems alpha/beta/gamma.. Knowledge of MCNP in addition to CERN’s resources is preferred.. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living.. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

research associate

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 discoveryand 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 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.
We are looking for a new scientist as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to help shape project focus, drive, and success across the applied AI/ML mission space.Our group pursues highly-applied detection projects in support of international treaties, homeland security, nuclear security, safeguards and fundamental science. Within these projects we utilize data analytics, advanced algorithm development using AI/ML, nuclear science, novel sensor development, and state-of-the-art detection systems to pursue national and international security.
This position will reside in the Applied Radiation Detection Group, Nuclear Chemical and Biological Technologies Division of the National Security Directorate. The Applied Radiation Detection (ARD) Group is focused on the research and development of radiation-detection-based technologies for important end users including in-field and lab-based measurement systems. If you love science and the National Security Mission we get to participate in, then join us! Responsibilities Basic Responsibilities
The candidate should have interest and experience in developing algorithms and software for automated analysis of advanced radio-emission spectroscopy systems.
The candidate should have a working knowledge of radiation transport, C++/Python, and CERN’s ROOT & GEANT4 data analysis & simulation frameworks.
Candidates with experience developing and building ML models using frameworks like PyTorch or Keras for applications in the nuclear and high energy physics fields would be preferred.
National Interest Project Examples
Identify the illicit smuggling of nuclear materials into the country via Non-Intrusive Inspection.
Develop explainability tools to better understand the outputs of deep learning model.
Hunt for the existence of dark matter to understand the nature of the universe.
Applying big data solutions to national security problems.
Applying image classification for nuclear forensics analysis.
Mentor students and understand radioactive signatures.
Challenges
Applying existing deep learning solutions to novel problems.
Fine tuning of open-source models for CV and NLP.
Labeling and feature engineering for novel datasets.
Applying ML models to large datasets.
Reading, understanding, making comments on, and expanding state-of-the-art deep learning research. Qualifications Minimum 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:
Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and/or Engineering or Physics.
Candidates must have a strong background in their major field of study, the ability to work independently with little supervision, and an interest in working with others as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers addressing challenges with national and international impact.
2 years of experience in radiation spectroscopy and detector systems alpha/beta/gamma.
2 years of experience with small scale software development.
Experience with software management using version tracking tools like GIT.
Experience with CERN’s ROOT and GEANT4 data analysis and simulation software frameworks. Knowledge of MCNP in addition to CERN’s resources is preferred.
Strong knowledge of counting statistics where a combination of counting statistics and information theory is preferred.
Strong oral and written communication skills. 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. 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 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@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL 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.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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