MA-level groundwater research position
Job Description
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a research associate (post master's) for conducting laboratory and field experiments on soil and groundwater and contributing to on-going studies on environmental issues. The job requires working with researchers and technicians in providing fundamental data associated with contaminant transport in subsurface porous media, the development of in situ remedial technologies for metals and radionuclides and related water-contaminant-remedy interactions. Job will require interpreting data from experiments and preparing technical reports and journal articles, identifying relevant proposal opportunities and assisting in their preparation.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a research associate (post master's) for conducting laboratory and field experiments on soil and groundwater and contributing to on-going studies on environmental issues. The job requires working with researchers and technicians in providing fundamental data associated with contaminant transport in subsurface porous media, the development of in situ remedial technologies for metals and radionuclides and related water-contaminant-remedy interactions. Job will require interpreting data from experiments and preparing technical reports and journal articles, identifying relevant proposal opportunities and assisting in their preparation.
Needs Assessment
Research associates are needed to support on-going laboratory and field experiments contributing to the understanding of contaminant migration and development of in situ remediation technologies.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Duties for the position will include all necessary protocol for safe operation of a wet chemical laboratory, handling and preparation of samples for analysis, troubleshooting instrument functionality, and maintain accurate laboratory records. Candidate will be expected to interact with research scientists and other laboratory staff members and have sufficient time management skills to balance the demands of several project needs. Candidate will be expected to work with hazardous substances in a safe and conscientious manner. Candidate should have computer skills to operate instruments and compile data for communicating procedures, results, and any anomalies to cognizant lead scientists.
Technical performance is emphasized, but the incumbent is also expected to conduct quality assurance checks, conduct work in a safe manner and manage small to moderate research tasks. The incumbent is expected to contribute to proposals and documents leading the publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
The incumbent is accountable for:
• Technical quality of laboratory research
• Working with interdisciplinary teams
• Prioritizing and handling multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Complying with PNNL’s policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property
• Maintaining professional competence, knowledge and skills necessary to effectively complete responsibilities.
Qualifications
Technical Expertise: Skilled professional. Applies, on a broad basis, existing theories, principles, and concepts in Chemistry and Geochemistry. Candidate must have a fundamental understanding of geology, hydrology and chemistry and the ability to integrate the fundamental principles within these disciplines to address applied science and engineering issues related to contaminant transport in subsurface porous media, the development of in situ remedial technologies for metals and radinuclides and related water-contaminant-remedy interactions. Candidate must also have a competent set of interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with team members and clients.
Level of Responsibility: Fully competent in all conventional applications of knowledge common in the specific discipline and function of work assigned.
- Demonstrable technical ability to set up, conduct, and analyze unsaturated column tests utilizing the unsaturated flow apparatus (UFA) to evaluate hydraulic conductivity, moisture retention, and contaminant fate and transport under vadose zone conditions.
- Demonstrable ability to set-up, conduct, and analyze an experimental investigation that quantifies the effect of key physical and chemical variables on the current and historic mobility of technetium in subsurface environments from legacy waste processing and disposition activities using the unsaturated flow apparatus (UFA) and/or pressurized unsaturated flow (PUF) system.
- Demonstratable technical ability to set-up, provide technical guidance, and analyze an experimental investigation quantifying key chemical and physical parameters defining the ability of novel in situ remedial strategies for radionuclide (i.e. Tc, U) contaminant immoblization.
Breadth of Relevant Technical Knowledge: Proactively stays abreast of developments in industry and maintains skills consistent with state of the art in geochemistry.
Education Requirement
Master's degree in chemistry or geochemistry from an accredited university or currently enrolled in a master's program at an accredited university. At least one year of professional experience with the proven ability to write and present work.
For more information please contact:
Danielle Jansik
Danielle.Jansik@pnl.gov
509-375-4498
Research associates are needed to support on-going laboratory and field experiments contributing to the understanding of contaminant migration and development of in situ remediation technologies.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Duties for the position will include all necessary protocol for safe operation of a wet chemical laboratory, handling and preparation of samples for analysis, troubleshooting instrument functionality, and maintain accurate laboratory records. Candidate will be expected to interact with research scientists and other laboratory staff members and have sufficient time management skills to balance the demands of several project needs. Candidate will be expected to work with hazardous substances in a safe and conscientious manner. Candidate should have computer skills to operate instruments and compile data for communicating procedures, results, and any anomalies to cognizant lead scientists.
Technical performance is emphasized, but the incumbent is also expected to conduct quality assurance checks, conduct work in a safe manner and manage small to moderate research tasks. The incumbent is expected to contribute to proposals and documents leading the publication of peer-reviewed journal articles.
The incumbent is accountable for:
• Technical quality of laboratory research
• Working with interdisciplinary teams
• Prioritizing and handling multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Complying with PNNL’s policies regarding environmental health and safety, waste management, and protection of intellectual property
• Maintaining professional competence, knowledge and skills necessary to effectively complete responsibilities.
Qualifications
Technical Expertise: Skilled professional. Applies, on a broad basis, existing theories, principles, and concepts in Chemistry and Geochemistry. Candidate must have a fundamental understanding of geology, hydrology and chemistry and the ability to integrate the fundamental principles within these disciplines to address applied science and engineering issues related to contaminant transport in subsurface porous media, the development of in situ remedial technologies for metals and radinuclides and related water-contaminant-remedy interactions. Candidate must also have a competent set of interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with team members and clients.
Level of Responsibility: Fully competent in all conventional applications of knowledge common in the specific discipline and function of work assigned.
- Demonstrable technical ability to set up, conduct, and analyze unsaturated column tests utilizing the unsaturated flow apparatus (UFA) to evaluate hydraulic conductivity, moisture retention, and contaminant fate and transport under vadose zone conditions.
- Demonstrable ability to set-up, conduct, and analyze an experimental investigation that quantifies the effect of key physical and chemical variables on the current and historic mobility of technetium in subsurface environments from legacy waste processing and disposition activities using the unsaturated flow apparatus (UFA) and/or pressurized unsaturated flow (PUF) system.
- Demonstratable technical ability to set-up, provide technical guidance, and analyze an experimental investigation quantifying key chemical and physical parameters defining the ability of novel in situ remedial strategies for radionuclide (i.e. Tc, U) contaminant immoblization.
Breadth of Relevant Technical Knowledge: Proactively stays abreast of developments in industry and maintains skills consistent with state of the art in geochemistry.
Education Requirement
Master's degree in chemistry or geochemistry from an accredited university or currently enrolled in a master's program at an accredited university. At least one year of professional experience with the proven ability to write and present work.
For more information please contact:
Danielle Jansik
Danielle.Jansik@pnl.gov
509-375-4498
