Post-Masters RA – Coastal Biogeochemistry (9957)

Overview
The Fundamental & Biogeochemistry Team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is soliciting applications for a Post-Masters Research Associate position studying different marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies. The successful applicant will conduct laboratory and field-based research to advance quantitative understanding of how mCDR interventions interact with coastal biogeochemical cycles to promote enhanced uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the ocean.

The candidate will work on several projects testing a variety of new technologies to help the ocean absorb CO2 from the atmosphere more rapidly than under natural conditions. Specifically, the projects will entail a variety of experiments aimed at understanding how effectively different ocean alkalinity enhancement techniques sequesters atmospheric CO2, how ecosystems will respond, and how to feasibly scale this type of marine carbon dioxide removal approach. The Research Associate will work with a collaborative team of researchers focused on different aspects of mCDR. The position will be based at the PNNL Sequim campus in Sequim, WA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab and field-based mCDR studies as part of the projects outlined above.
• Operate lab instruments for measuring ocean carbon parameters (e.g., dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity), nutrients, and/or other trace elements.
• Maintain and calibrate water quality sensors (e.g., pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc.) deployed in indoor mesocosm tanks and outdoor field sites.
• Analyze and visualize data from lab instruments and sensors.
• Disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications.
• Engage in collaborations across large project teams.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in a chemical, physical, biological, or environmental science from an accredited institution.
• Experience working in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
• Good interpersonal skills and effective communication including oral and written skills.
• Experience with R or other programming languages.
• Familiarity with aquatic sensors, including deployment, maintenance, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with seawater carbonate chemistry and relevant laboratory analyses.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Working in analytical chemistry labs
• Working with hazardous chemicals
• Working in outdoor environments on uneven surfaces

Additional Information
Not Applicable.

Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position.

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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 careers@pnnl.gov.

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. 

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.  To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For 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 $67,800.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $78,500.00/Yr.