TerraPower
Senior/Principal Analytical Radiochemist, Innovation R&D Chemistry MCFR
TerraPower, Everett, Washington, us, 98213
Title: Senior/Principal Analytical Radiochemist, Innovation R&D Chemistry MCFR
Location: Everett, Washington, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Overview TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.
TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an affirmative action plan to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
Job Description Senior or Principal Analytical Radiochemist to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program. This position reports to the MCFR R&D Chemistry Discipline Manager. The role centers on analytical radiochemistry supporting the development and deployment of next‑generation molten salt reactor technology, beginning with the design of radiochemical experiments and development of analytical methodologies, and evolving toward validation of salt stability, process integrity, and product qualification in support of reactor safety, performance, and safeguards. You will collaborate with colleagues across Safeguards, Testing & Materials, Plant Design, and Fuel Cycle teams in a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary environment to provide data critical to enabling design decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role is hybrid with on‑site presence required four days per week at our Everett, WA laboratory. In this role, you will lead the charge in analytical radiochemistry as both expert and innovator, building the experimental backbone for TerraPower’s groundbreaking molten salt reactor technology, and help power a carbon‑free future.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development and implementation of robust analytical methods and procedures for MCFR sample characterization, including gamma spectroscopy, ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, and other relevant techniques.
Manage analytical scope related to measuring purity, and mass balance of MCFR products, and analyzing in‑process samples for quality control.
Lead development and implementation of robust chemical and analytical separation processes needed to produce high quality data from high salt containing samples.
Direct installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of MCFR radioanalytical instruments and equipment.
Recommend and develop alternative approaches for quantification and characterization of samples.
Ensure laboratory procedures are developed, maintained, and continuously improved and maintain high standards of organization, housekeeping, and operational effectiveness in MCFR analytical and radiochemistry facilities.
Ensure and promote strict adherence to site safety, radiation protection, and regulatory guidelines, working closely with health physicists, authorized users, and the RSO.
Report progress on team and project performance to senior management through presentations, updates, and technical communications.
Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities, safety practices, and team effectiveness.
Direct the radiochemistry team’s analytical contributions to complement MC&A R&D activities for the MCFR fuel cycle, ensuring effective coordination with the safeguards and the testing teams.
Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities and ensure organization, housekeeping, and effectiveness of TerraPower radiochemistry use areas is maintained at a high standard at all times.
Key Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physical sciences, chemical or material engineering or a related technical field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred (minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s for level 11; minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s, for level 12). Experience may be partially substituted for advanced degree depending on position relevance.
Extensive hands‑on experience in each of gamma spectroscopy, ICP‑MS, and ICP‑OES for measurement of purity of alpha‑emitting radioisotopes.
Proven track record in analytical method development using the above techniques.
Demonstrated capability for developing procedures adherent to an NQA‑1 quality program.
Strong background in radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid‑liquid extractions) as well as techniques relevant to chemical manipulation and purification of actinide compounds and fission products.
Knowledge of chemometrics and/or machine learning is desired.
Knowledge of relevant instrumentation and technique fundamentals is a plus.
Experience with gas chromatography and neutron‑based approaches is a plus.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
High degree of trust and integrity, communication openness, respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.
Job Functions Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant’s ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case‑by‑case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.
Motor Abilities: Sitting and standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).
Repetitive work: Prolonged.
Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work and ability to perform role in personal protective equipment.
Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day.
Work location: This is an on‑site position and the applicant will be expected to spend significant time at the Everett labs in WA.
Job details Salary Range Level 11: $138,685 - $208,027
Salary Range Level 12: $168,316 - $252,475
*Typically, our employee salaries are within .90 – 1.0 of the mid‑point of the posted salary bands. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.
Benefits
Competitive Compensation
Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short‑term incentive payments
Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, Disability, Gender Affiliation Benefits, Parental Leave
401k Plan
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 21 days of annually accrued PTO
Generous Holiday Schedule: 10 paid holidays
Relocation Assistance
Professional and Educational Support Opportunities
Flexible Work Schedule
TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Type: Full-time
Overview TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.
TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an affirmative action plan to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
Job Description Senior or Principal Analytical Radiochemist to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program. This position reports to the MCFR R&D Chemistry Discipline Manager. The role centers on analytical radiochemistry supporting the development and deployment of next‑generation molten salt reactor technology, beginning with the design of radiochemical experiments and development of analytical methodologies, and evolving toward validation of salt stability, process integrity, and product qualification in support of reactor safety, performance, and safeguards. You will collaborate with colleagues across Safeguards, Testing & Materials, Plant Design, and Fuel Cycle teams in a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary environment to provide data critical to enabling design decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role is hybrid with on‑site presence required four days per week at our Everett, WA laboratory. In this role, you will lead the charge in analytical radiochemistry as both expert and innovator, building the experimental backbone for TerraPower’s groundbreaking molten salt reactor technology, and help power a carbon‑free future.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development and implementation of robust analytical methods and procedures for MCFR sample characterization, including gamma spectroscopy, ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, and other relevant techniques.
Manage analytical scope related to measuring purity, and mass balance of MCFR products, and analyzing in‑process samples for quality control.
Lead development and implementation of robust chemical and analytical separation processes needed to produce high quality data from high salt containing samples.
Direct installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of MCFR radioanalytical instruments and equipment.
Recommend and develop alternative approaches for quantification and characterization of samples.
Ensure laboratory procedures are developed, maintained, and continuously improved and maintain high standards of organization, housekeeping, and operational effectiveness in MCFR analytical and radiochemistry facilities.
Ensure and promote strict adherence to site safety, radiation protection, and regulatory guidelines, working closely with health physicists, authorized users, and the RSO.
Report progress on team and project performance to senior management through presentations, updates, and technical communications.
Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities, safety practices, and team effectiveness.
Direct the radiochemistry team’s analytical contributions to complement MC&A R&D activities for the MCFR fuel cycle, ensuring effective coordination with the safeguards and the testing teams.
Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities and ensure organization, housekeeping, and effectiveness of TerraPower radiochemistry use areas is maintained at a high standard at all times.
Key Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physical sciences, chemical or material engineering or a related technical field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred (minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s for level 11; minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s, for level 12). Experience may be partially substituted for advanced degree depending on position relevance.
Extensive hands‑on experience in each of gamma spectroscopy, ICP‑MS, and ICP‑OES for measurement of purity of alpha‑emitting radioisotopes.
Proven track record in analytical method development using the above techniques.
Demonstrated capability for developing procedures adherent to an NQA‑1 quality program.
Strong background in radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid‑liquid extractions) as well as techniques relevant to chemical manipulation and purification of actinide compounds and fission products.
Knowledge of chemometrics and/or machine learning is desired.
Knowledge of relevant instrumentation and technique fundamentals is a plus.
Experience with gas chromatography and neutron‑based approaches is a plus.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
High degree of trust and integrity, communication openness, respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.
Job Functions Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant’s ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case‑by‑case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.
Motor Abilities: Sitting and standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).
Repetitive work: Prolonged.
Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work and ability to perform role in personal protective equipment.
Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day.
Work location: This is an on‑site position and the applicant will be expected to spend significant time at the Everett labs in WA.
Job details Salary Range Level 11: $138,685 - $208,027
Salary Range Level 12: $168,316 - $252,475
*Typically, our employee salaries are within .90 – 1.0 of the mid‑point of the posted salary bands. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.
Benefits
Competitive Compensation
Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short‑term incentive payments
Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, Disability, Gender Affiliation Benefits, Parental Leave
401k Plan
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 21 days of annually accrued PTO
Generous Holiday Schedule: 10 paid holidays
Relocation Assistance
Professional and Educational Support Opportunities
Flexible Work Schedule
TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr