Post Bachelors Research Associate – Spectroscopy & Analysis

Overview

At PNNL,our core capabilities are dividedamongmajor departments that werefer to as Directorates within the Lab,focused on a specific area of scientific research orother function, with its own leadership teamand 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  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 Divisions steward 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.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to collaboration and work–life balance. Our world-class chemists and physicists, along with a broad cadre of scientific and engineering disciplines, work in cross-disciplinary teams to routinely solve some of the most difficult challenges facing our nation. You will contribute to PNNL’s goals in experimental spectroscopy as part of the Lab’s Physical Sciences Division.

As a Post Bachelors Research Associate in the Chemical Physics & Analysis group, you will join a talented, multi-researcher team to support projects in infrared spectroscopy focusing on quantitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral measurements. You will be mentored by prominent researchers as you conduct experimental research to obtain quantitative spectroscopic data that will have a wide range of practical applications.

What you will do:

• Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff across PNNL
• Prepare and handle chemical samples (gas, liquid or solid phase) for ensuing spectroscopic measurements
• Conduct measurements of samples using FTIR, Raman, infrared diode laser, and UV-Vis spectroscopies
• Analyze spectroscopic results using common data reduction techniques and software
• Contribute to the creation of reports and scientific publications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Chemical Engineering
• Coursework in molecular spectroscopy or related physics (optics, spectroscopy, group theory etc.)
• Experience with FTIR, Raman, or UV-Vis spectroscopic measurements
• Experience with data analysis and plotting software (e.g. IGOR, ORIGIN)
• Keen attention to detail, both for acquisition of data and processing of associated metadata
• Proficiency with standard software (e.g. MS Office), and common data reduction techniques and software
• Work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong verbal and written communications skills

Laboratory work with chemicals of various hazard levels and laser systems.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

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,…