Nuclear Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.
We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range
$113,760 Annually
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct charged particle and neutron activation experiments and develop novel assay/evaluation methods for specialty, signature activation products. You will actively participate in research to distinguish radionuclide signatures of activated materials and evaluate results with respect to verification and validation protocols applied to nuclear forensics diagnostics. This position is in the Safeguards, Nonproliferation, and Response Group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.
You will

• Conduct research on nuclear science topics relevant to nuclear security, nonproliferation, and nuclear threat reduction.
• Develop and model experimental configurations and radiation detection systems.
• Establish and maintain laboratory protocols and experimental procedures for the characterization of irradiated samples and perform data analysis and interpretation of results.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Document research, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists, both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiochemistry, or related field
• Experience in nuclear spectroscopy, radiation detection techniques, and modeling of detector response and irradiation experimental configurations. This requires the ability to safely work with alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and neutron-emitting radioactive materials (>1 microCurie).
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and associated software controls and designing, assembling, and running nuclear science experiments based on radiochemical or Nuclear Chemistry/physics methods.
• Experience in experimental nuclear science and data analysis and interpretation with applications to a variety of programmatic challenges in nuclear nonproliferation and national security.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and present and explain technical information.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills to work with multiple scientific and technical teams involving members from various disciplines and performing effectively under conflicting priorities and rigorous project deadlines.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with MCNP, GEANT, or other radiation transport codes.
• Demonstrated skills in experimental/Monte-Carlo modeling.
• Demonstrated knowledge in nuclear decay schemes, spectroscopy, and nuclear data.
• Proficiency with python, root, C++, or other programming languages.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
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Reasonable Accommodation
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