Nonproliferation Research Scientist

The Global Security Directorate at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking candidates for a staff research scientist position to support research, technology development, and mission execution in nuclear material processing, chemical separations, sampler development and testing, and field sampling. The successful applicant will initially support research and development projects at SRNL. The successful applicant will work or learn to work with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometers (TIMS). These instruments will be used to measure and quantify ultra-low levels of radionuclides in environmental samples to support a wide variety of applications. There will be opportunities to learn about different environmental samplers, about collecting samples in different locations, and about the development of software and methods for statistical evaluation of mass spectrometric data. SRNL advances technologies that enhances global security, assists with nuclear safeguards and nuclear nonproliferation applications, and address complex legacy challenges across the Department of Energy’s complex.

• Planning and overseeing the safe execution of the work or technical activities.
• Developing research proposals with new research ideas to bring new work scope and funding to SRNL for yourself and your team members.
• Communicating task requirements, project status, risks, and outcomes to team members and sponsors.
• Performing impactful research that can be published in peer-reviewed publications.
• Participating in the development of hazards analysis reports and work control documents for research activities.
• Perform ion exchange chromatography of environmental samples.
• Operate both inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (quadrupole-based and multi-collector ICP-MSs) and thermal ionization mass spectrometers.
• Measure samples to support different R&D project tasks and milestones.
• Write scripts for the statistical evaluation of both measured and synthetic data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters + 6-8 years of experience or PhD + 3-5 years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Data Science, Physics, or equivalent STEM field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform scientific research or experimental design.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to technical detail.
• For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating and troubleshooting plasma source and thermal ionization mass spectrometers.
• Experience in nuclear materials processing, radiochemical separations, waste treatment technologies, or radiological operations.
• Experience with seeking external funding.
• Experience in DOE laboratory environments, nuclear facilities, or regulated high-hazard operations.
• Strong publication record.