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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 Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes.

Responsibilities

Contribute to PNNL’s goals in understanding the complex systems and phenomena vital to the nation’s energy and environmental resources as part of the Lab’s **Physical Sciences Division** (PSD). As a **PhD Intern** in the Geochemistry group, you will join a multi-investigator team working on recovery and separation of critical minerals from complex wastes and produced water. Your role will focus on developing and evaluating techniques to recover critical minerals—especially rare-earth elements—and on advancing rare-earth separations. You will apply advanced in situ and ex situ methods—including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)—to characterize recovery and separation processes. You will also optimize reaction parameters to improve efficiency and selectivity.

If you are ready to test your talents and training in Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Materials, Chemical Engineering, and/or Chemistry and hone your skills as a PhD Intern at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences and environmental science, we want to connect with you. The ideal person has an interest in advancing measurement approaches and applying them to complex problems. Details are below; you do not need to meet all the preferred qualifications to be considered.

What you will do:

+ Conduct independent research and work on team assignments.

+ Design novel approaches to recover and separate critical minerals, especially rare earth elements, from complex wastes and produce water.

+ Strong background in various in situ and ex situ techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

+ Contribute as a team member to support publications and reports led by other researchers.

+ Lead manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

+ Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings.

+ Work in collaboration with a group of scientists and technical staff across the Lab, and must be able to work closely and communicate effectively with experimentalists and computational modeling colleagues. The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools as needed.

+ Be able to recognize abnormal operating conditions, correct and report to the supervisor and warranty provider in a timely and responsible manner.

+ In-depth knowledge, practical experience, and a good publication record in critical minerals research. In addition, the candidate should possess functional knowledge of various complementary materials characterization methods such as Raman, XRD, UV-vis, fluorescence, and/or SEM/TEM.

A PhD intern position is immediately available to explore recovering and separating critical minerals, especially rare earth elements, from complex wastes and produce water with a strong emphasis on the use of advanced resources at PNNL and associated DOE user facilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.

+ Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Pursuing a PhD in Geochemistry, Mining, Environmental Science, Materials, Chemical Engineering, and/or Chemistry.

+ A background in one or more of the following research areas, involving critical minerals, mining, mineralization, mineral dissolution, and nucleation and crystal growth.

+ Chemical reactor design, electrochemical reaction, flow cell, SEM and TEM.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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 (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 [email protected] .

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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include 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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

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

Regular Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

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 $23.53/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $35.30/Hr.