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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 Energy and Environment Directorate (EED) delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of EED, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a forward-thinking Principal Research Scientist who is a thought leader in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Large Language Models (LLMs) and agentic programming, to challenges in grid operations, planning, and resilience.

In this position, you will lead cutting-edge research initiatives, shape programmatic efforts, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to leverage advanced AI and machine learning (ML) approaches for the electricity sector.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Lead pioneering research efforts to apply AI, including generative AI and agent-based approaches, to improve the operation, automation, resilience, and security of the electrical grid.

+ Operationalizing AI research and development for the purposes of ensuring national and economic security especially as it relates to Defense Critical Electric Infrastructure.

+ Develop and drive innovative concepts for real-world applications of ML in areas such as energy forecasting, grid disturbance detection, anomaly detection, and human-in-the-loop decision-making for grid operators.

+ Serve as the principal investigator (PI) on complex, multi-disciplinary research projects funded by DOE, ARPA-E, utilities, and other stakeholders. Define project vision, build teams, and oversee successful execution.

+ Collaborate across different components of the organization supplying domain expertise to AI/ML experts in other areas.

+ Mentor and coach junior, mid-career, and senior scientists in the AI and grid research space, fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and excellence within the team.

+ Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including universities, grid operators, utilities, ISO/RTOs, national labs, and solution providers, to identify emerging needs and develop solutions that scale to the real world.

+ Lead PNNL’s research agenda on AI for the grid by contributing to strategic planning and securing funding opportunities.

+ Publish high-impact peer-reviewed papers, present research findings at conferences, and represent PNNL as a leader in the AI-for-energy community.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

+ MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

+ PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Deep understanding and experience applying machine learning and agentic approaches to the grid domain.

+ Expertise in energy systems, power systems, or grid operations, with a strong understanding of the technical and operational challenges facing modern and future grids.

+ Proven track record of leading large-scale, interdisciplinary research teams and securing competitive research funding.

+ Knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure, regulatory landscape, and the role of AI/ML in supporting grid modernization goals.

+ Experience integrating AI models, including Agentic approaches, into planning or real-time operations engineering workflows for electric utilities or ISOs/RTOs.

+ Demonstrated thought leadership in emerging AI applications, particularly around explainable AI, ethical AI, and AI for critical infrastructure.

+ Strong communication and technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.

+ Established professional network within AI, ML, DOE, or energy industry communities.

+ Must be able to acquire and maintain a national security clearance, Q/SCI.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

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 applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment 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 if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

•Referral Eligible”

Testing Designated Position

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 (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.

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.

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

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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 $169,600.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $268,100.00/Yr.