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D-SIMS Materials Scientist 2

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Richland, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 8/5/2025 CLOSED ON 9/10/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the D-SIMS Materials Scientist 2 position at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory?

Overview:

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.


Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.


The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

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.


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Responsibilities:

The Analytical Chemistry & Instrumentation Group conducts fundamental and applied research resulting in new capabilities in trace element and radionuclide detection, environmental assessment and remediation, treaty verification, and proliferation detection and prevention. The group applies a broad range of instrument and method development knowledge, specialized chemical separation methods, and advanced spectrometric technologies in support of national security clients. Staff are typically involved in multiple projects, which enables each person to contribute to basic science studies as well as the applied missions of the Group. Staff use highly developed processes, specialized methods, and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation to perform work that spans the spectrum of basic science to applied analytical services. Research areas include radiochemistry, nuclear materials chemistry and analysis, instrument development, and nuclear and materials signatures. Much of the analytical services work that is performed requires measuring radionuclides at trace levels.


PNNL is seeking a qualified scientist to enhance our growing capability in dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (D-SIMS), specifically for the characterization of semiconductors materials. The incumbent would develop and perform appropriate measurements for materials characterization using a Cameca ims 7f-Auto. Expertise in depth profiling by D-SIMS is required, and knowledge of semiconductor device processing and characterization is an asset. The incumbent should be comfortable working independently and with a project team.


Responsibilities include executing appropriate analyses for materials characterization using a Cameca IMS 7f-Auto, maintaining sample throughput, reporting, method development, instrument maintenance, and interaction with teams and sponsors. A thoughtful, rigorous, and timely approach to data collection, review, and reporting is essential. Some projects have specialized technical aspects; for these projects the individual will be provided detailed technical guidance and mentoring from senior staff. The individual will support production and research both independently and through collaboration with project teams. The selected individual will have the opportunity to mentor and support peers and junior staff in technical growth, lead tasks, contribute to proposals, and to network with technical peer groups. Effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate are essential.


Principal job duties/expectations, and qualitative and quantitative measures of performance include:

  • Assume primary ownership for SIMS depth profiling analyses, and work with task lead to perform data evaluation and reporting, and instrument maintenance
  • Development and implementation of new analysis methods and procedures as needed
  • Ability to complete work and reporting within project timelines
  • Ability to work in individual and team-based environments
  • Ability to interact with stakeholders/sponsors
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
  • MS/MA -OR-
  • PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of semiconductor device characterization
  • Experience with sample preparation
  • 3 years’ experience with dynamic SIMS
  • Experience working in production environment
  • Experience in instrument and laboratory maintenance
  • Active Q clearance
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Not applicable
Additional Information:

his 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 (TDP):

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 careers@pnnl.gov.
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.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
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.

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