Logo
Physics World

Actinide Chemistry and Materials Science - Staff Scientist

Physics World, Livermore, California, United States, 94551

Save Job

Actinide Chemistry and Materials Science - Staff Scientist

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Staff Scientist to conduct research in the chemistry and materials science of actinides. The selected candidate will support interdisciplinary teams of experimentalists, modelers, and data scientists applying transuranic processing techniques to support nonproliferation research and explore actinide process signatures. This position is in the Chemistry of Nuclear Materials Group in the Materials Science Division. Responsibilities

Design, execute, and oversee laboratory experiments with actinide materials. Introduce innovative approaches to the aqueous and/or pyrochemical purification of actinides, ensuring process efficiency. Evaluate current methods and develop improvements for analyzing process signatures in advanced actinide processing. Design and execute experiments to generate high-quality data for computational modeling and machine learning applications, collaborating closely with modeling and data science experts as needed. Pursue independent yet complementary research initiatives, collaborating with a diverse range of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory. Develop, maintain, and refine laboratory protocols and procedures. Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve research goals. Document research activities, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings to the DOE community and at scientific conferences. Perform additional duties as assigned. Qualifications

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, radiochemistry or a related field Advanced knowledge in the chemistry or materials science of actinide elements as demonstrated by a publication record Experience in the synthesis, purification, or processing of actinide materials and proficiency working with air-free environments (e.g., gloveboxes or Schlenk lines) and handling radioactive materials Solid understanding of characterization, especially spectroscopy principles, and experience in the design and execution of experiments and data interpretation Ability to develop independent research projects and publish in peer-reviewed journals Advanced verbal communication skills as reflected by effective presentations at international conferences or lecture experience Initiative and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability and enthusiasm to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams both within LLNL and with external partners, including contributing to proposal development and, when needed, working in partner laboratories Qualifications We Desire

Experience with transuranic small molecule synthesis, including the use of anion exchange and precipitation techniques for reprocessing Experience in laboratory management, including maintaining specialized equipment, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and training or supervising laboratory personnel Demonstrated ability to mentor postdocs, students, and colleagues, providing guidance to develop their technical and professional skillsets Experience writing beamline proposals and securing beamtime; demonstrated leadership or significant involvement in beamline experiments Demonstrated ability to write proposals and secure research funding Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow). Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (depending on project needs) Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr