System One is seeking to contract with Senior / Principal Radiochemists to support our client, an advanced nuclear technology company. In this role, you will be directly involved in experiments related to the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) technology and expected to work at the interface of nuclear reactor development and novel waste reduction technologies. The candidate should have demonstrated laboratory capabilities in radiochemical experimental design and implementation. It is anticipated the candidate may serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on several experimental efforts.
This position interfaces with a dynamic cross-functional, multi-cultural, interdisciplinary team in which effective communication, teamwork and collaboration is required, while maintaining composure to act safely, ensure quality of data, and enable timely decision-making. The position requires contribution to experiment design, execution, and data analysis on chloride based molten salt systems that directly contributes to address gaps in understanding of molten salt chemistry that are needed to transition to a demonstration reactor program. Some specific requirements of the position involve (but are not limited to) actinide salt synthesis, salt analysis and characterization, and thermodynamic and kinetic property measurements of actinides and fission products in high temperature molten salts.
The position will require good judgement in ensuring regulatory compliance while delivering on commercial production and engineering design needs.
The candidate must be capable of working closely with a focused and high achieving group, working with minimal day-to-day supervision, and relocating to the Everett, WA area.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and assist experiments, including as a Principal Investigator.
- Propose, design and conduct synthesis of actinide compounds, develop chemistry and processes in high temperature molten salts, and support thermodynamic and kinetic measurements therein.
- Lead and assist in radiochemistry laboratory developments, including the design of flexible experimental chemistry capabilities to support client R&D activities.
- Prepare technical reports, peer review manuscripts, intellectual property documents and conference presentations.
- Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation).
- Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, including effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, authorized users and RSO.
- Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities.
- Assist in the training, developing, and mentoring of employees.
- Lead and assist in ensuring organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of client R&D radiochemistry use areas and production facilities is always maintained at a high standard.
- Perform other general duties associated with position as member of radiochemistry team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of client's R&D efforts.
Key Qualifications and Skills:
- Master's level degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, materials science, physics, or a related subject and 0-2 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's level degree in related disciplines and 0-4 years of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience and expertise in radiochemistry, radiochemical synthesis, and redox experiments is required.
- Demonstrated experience of bulk actinide and radiological material synthesis, processing or handling under controlled environments is required.
- Extensive background of the chemistry of nuclear systems and radiochemistry relevant to the fuel cycle.
- Extensive background in radiochemistry relevant to advanced nuclear reactor development.
- Demonstrated leadership within multifunctional teams and in the execution of complex projects is desired.
- Demonstrated experience working in inert and moisture-free atmospheres, such as gloveboxes and Schlenk lines, and adapting equipment for use in such environments is compulsory.
- Experience designing and executing of experiments with high temperature molten salts preferred.
- Expertise in characterization methods relevant to actinide compounds is needed. The characterization techniques include ICP-OES, ICP-MS, TGA/DSC, XRD, alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, and chromatography (IC, HPLC, TLC), and experience with at least four of these techniques is desired.
- Experience in thermophysical property measurements and modelling is a plus.
- Experience with planning, design and execution of electrochemical, spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical experiments is a plus.
- Experience leading the design and execution of complex experimental studies.
- Experience demonstrating the highest standards with respect to safety and radiation protection in all work activities, particularly regarding NRC standards.
- Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into client documents, and provide associated guidance to client personnel.
- Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
- Ability to structure and plan basic and applied research in the radiochemistry and other areas relevant to the client.