Research Associate

SRNL’s Environmental and Legacy Management Directorate is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research Associate to support SRNL’s environmental and legacy management mission by applying their chemistry knowledge to accelerate closure of and reduce risk at active cleanup sites for the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM).  

The entry-level chemist will be responsible for performing and documenting laboratory applied science experimentation in the field of radioactive and hazardous material processing, stabilization, and characterization to enable nuclear materials processing, site cleanup, and waste disposition across the DOE complex. 

The candidate will be engaged in the following activities: (1) performing hands-on laboratory scale testing using both simulated and radioactive waste tank matrices; and (2) assisting with/leading development of experimental plans and hazard analyses for specific project tasks. 

Examples of duties/responsibilities include completing all training required to perform assigned work, following guidance from/working with more experienced personnel to execute hands-on work activities, documenting activities in laboratory notebooks, and assisting with data analysis and troubleshooting as needed. 

This work requires the candidate to be physically present at the work location with limited opportunities for telework based on need and at management’s discretion. The candidate will support a varied customer base from the Savannah River Site that may include Liquid Waste Operations, H-Area Operations, NNSA Operations, and internal SRNL researchers.

The successful candidate:

• Uses basic logic and common sense to arrive at solutions.
• Develops partnerships with internal team members.
• Able to communicate well in straight-forward situations.
• Understands their own job and how the role interacts with their team.
• Knowledgeable about their specific job.
• Team Contributor - gains support for ideas within the team.
• Implements changes provided by management.
• Completes routine and repetitive tasks where tasks are straightforward.
• Works safely with particular attention to quality. 
• Complies with all policies and standards. 
• Maintain appropriate level government security clearance.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in scientific field - entry level position
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate level U.S. Government security clearance for which U.S. Citizenship is legally required. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Graduate level degree in chemistry or related field with prior experience in a chemical laboratory setting.
• Prefer work experience in applied R&D, process chemistry, and working with slurries or other complex matrices.  
• Previous work experience with handling of radiological or simulated waste and hazardous materials is desired.

"We put science to work!" 

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation’s environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce. 

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

*Benefits vary based upon employment status

• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
• Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
• AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
• Savings & Investment plan:
• Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
• Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (3 yrs. vesting in company match)
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)