We have an opening for a Research Scientist to develop and pursue innovative research in the analysis of nuclear and non-nuclear materials in support of nuclear security and planetary science research. The successful candidate will perform isotopic analyses utilizing noble gas mass spectrometry (NGMS) to understand signatures of interest to nuclear forensics, nonproliferation, and nuclear science applications. You will play a leadership role in development and design of analytical approaches and in generating new proposals for funding. This position is in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division supporting the Chemical and Isotopic Signatures Group.

This position will be filled at the SES.3 or SES.4 level depending on candidate qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Independently develop and pursue innovative research in noble gas measurements of geologic/planetary samples and nuclear materials and establish new analytical protocols and techniques.
• Independently prepare samples, analyze samples, and interpret results. Document and publish results in technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Lead technical efforts with responsibility for budgets, schedules, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Independently develop research proposals for agencies that fund research in nuclear science and nuclear forensics.
• Independently operate, maintain, repair, and upgrade ultra-high vacuum processing line components, mass spectrometers, and associated hardware and interact with hardware and software vendors.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and technical personnel to accomplish research goals.
• Provide training and support for new and existing users of the laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Represent the organization as a primary technical contact across projects.
• Drive programmatic growth by identifying and addressing sponsor needs.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and technical personnel.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Ph.D. in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, nuclear engineering, or a related field.
• Significant experience measuring noble gas isotope ratios and abundances by mass spectrometry.
• Significant experience with noble gas purification and spiking methods for mass spectrometry, as well as laser heating and/or ablation systems.
• Significant experience using noble gas isotope variations to address problems in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, nuclear engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in the design, evaluation, and construction of ultra-high vacuum systems, including specifying and procuring vacuum, mechanical, and electrical components and working with suppliers and mechanical shops.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects, reflected in the publication of first-authored, peer-reviewed literature.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Demonstrated ability to develop independent research projects, reflected in prior experience working as a principal investigator for NSF, NASA, DOE, and/or DOD.
• Experience as the lead scientist of a noble gas mass spectrometry laboratory.
• Experience managing and leading multidisciplinary project teams.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in MATLAB, Java, C++, and/or SQL databases.