DOE-EM (EMGFP) Post Masters Fellow - Chemistry of Tank Waste
Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryRichland, WA
Temporary
Posted September 23, 2026
$81k - $81k
Closes in 7 days
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Listing evidence and provenance
- Source
- Employer career site View original listing
- Freshness
- Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed October 7, 2026
- Classification
- Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Nuclear Energy
- Pay provenance
- Employer-provided pay
Job Description
If you have not resided in the U.S.
Key Responsibilities
- DOE’s Office of Environmental Management Graduate Fellowship Program is seeking graduate fellows to work on some of the nation’s greatest cleanup efforts. 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. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven interns 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!
- Cleanup of highly complex waste, contaminated soil, and groundwater is one of the Department of Energy’s most important environmental challenges. The Environmental Management (EM) Graduate Fellowship Program (EMGFP) provides recent graduates with an opportunity to conduct hands-on research that supports the mission of DOE's Office of EM.
- The Ion Dynamics in Radioactive Environments and Materials (IDREAM) Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) is exploring the complex chemical phenomena to enable innovations in retrieving and processing radioactive tank waste. Our team works to master the fundamental chemistry in complex environments characterized by extremes in alkalinity, low-water activity, and chemical phenomena driven far from equilibrium by ionizing radiation, all of which are characteristics of legacy radioactive tank waste. The fundamental knowledge from IDREAM's efforts will aid in accelerating the processing of legacy radioactive waste stored in underground tanks at the DOE's Hanford and Savannah River Sites.
- Central to IDREAM's work is determining the solubility, precipitation/dissolution mechanisms, and aggregation behavior of gibbsite, Al(OH)3, and other aluminum bearing mineral phases. In the tanks, aluminum is present in both the solid phase and the tank supernatant. Though it is not the most prominent element in the radioactive tank waste, aluminum presents a major problem due to its unpredictable precipitation and aggregation behavior, which becomes especially problematic upon removal of the waste from its storage tanks and transportation for final processing and disposal. In addition to aluminum, the tank waste is highly alkaline, and rich in nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, low molecular weight organics, and redox active species. Additionally, the waste has been exposed to decades of ionizing radiation, driving the chemistry far from equilibrium. All of which further complicates the predictive understanding of tank chemistry required for the successful processing of radioactive tank waste.
- As a graduate research fellow, you will become an integral member of the IDREAM EFRC. IDREAM is a multi-institution interdisciplinary team working to master the fundamental chemistry in complex environments characterized by extremes in alkalinity and low water activity related to the chemistry underpinning the successful processing of radioactive tank waste. IDREAM also features a highly involved Early Career Network to assist you in your career development and scientific skills.
- You will specialize in conducting experiments to: (i) determine the role of co-dissolved species, such as phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite, in enhancing gibbsite solubility in nuclear tank waste; (ii) determine the role of ionizing radiation on the structure of solutions containing phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite; and (iii) evaluate the role of solution structure, co-dissolved organics, and ionizing radiation on the oxidation state of dissolved redox active species. You will leverage a variety of experimental techniques available at PNNL, including vibrational spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and optical microscopy, among others, while taking advantage of world-class expertise and capabilities to meet your research goals. You will also lead and contribute to manuscript development as a member of the IDREAM team.
- Due to sponsor funding requirements outlined in the MSIPP-EM SOW, eligibility for this position is limited to candidates who graduated with their undergrad or masters at a Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Requirements
- 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.
- Master's degree in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Previous work in a chemical laboratory setting.
- Experience in developing manuscripts, reports, and presentations .
- Expertise in one or more of the following techniques: Vibrational spectroscopies, ICP-OES, X-ray scattering, Electron microscopy, and Optical microscopy.
- Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
- Working in labs with potential hazardous materials.
- 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.
- Drug Free Workplace
- 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.
- 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.
- Master's degree in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Previous work in a chemical laboratory setting.
- Experience in developing manuscripts, reports, and presentations .
- Expertise in one or more of the following techniques: Vibrational spectroscopies, ICP-OES, X-ray scattering, Electron microscopy, and Optical microscopy.
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