Post Doctorate RA - Material Scientist, Antifouling Materials

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Washington
Posted on: June 1, 2025

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 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multi-program laboratory operated by Battelle for the US DOE.The 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.PNNL is currently engaged in 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.
Responsibilities

CBS is seeking a Post Doctorate Research Associate Materials Scientist. 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 materials synthesis, measurement, and characterization techniques. This Post Doctorate Research Associate 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. We are seeking candidates who have 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.

• Applying established materials science techniques and independently developing new methods and procedures in a research and development laboratory
• Iterative development of new or modified coatings to prevent fouling and corrosion or to provide other benefits (e.g., reduce hydrodynamic drag)
• 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
  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:
    • PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
    • 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
      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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity
        
        Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.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.
        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.
        Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
        
        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.For foreign national candidates:If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
        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.
        Notice to Applicants
        
        PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
        Minimum Salary
        
        USD $69,000.00/Yr.
        Maximum Salary
        
        USD $119,100.00/Yr.
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Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Rockville , Post Doctorate RA - Material Scientist, Antifouling Materials, Other , Washington, Maryland