Undergrad Tech Intern - Glass Science (9916)

Overview

 

At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy.

PNNL's Radiological Materials Group in the Energy and Environmental Division enables development of technologies for nuclear waste immobilization through leadership in materials science, engineering, and computational design. Our work focuses on solving complex problems associated with the vitrification of Hanford nuclear wastes.

Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks associated with 1) high temperature conversion of nuclear waste to glass and 2) release of components in an aqueous environment. The first topic includes understanding the feed-to-glass reactions, glass melt properties and phase assemblage of the waste form. The second topic includes measuring and predicting effect of response of waste forms to standardized leaching tests as a function of solution conditions and chemical composition.

This internship offers the opportunity to learn and participate in the development and performance testing of simulated nuclear waste forms, such as borosilicate glass. 

Responsibilities

 

The candidate will assist in production of test samples and performance of experiment related to expanding the glass composition envelope for Hanford direct-feed high-level waste (DFHLW). This scope includes glass fabrication and testing. 

The following are important attributes:

• Demonstration of good laboratory testing and wet chemistry skills. Candidate must be familiar with standard chemical laboratory operating procedures and standard analytical techniques. The candidate must be willing to learn and employ safe techniques for handling hazardous materials. The candidate will be required to maintain laboratory records and to implement and follow quality assurance procedures.
• General activities include preparing test specimens, characterizing them, compiling data and results. The materials will be characterized with respect to formulation, processing, and final properties.
• On a broad basis, apply principles, theories and concepts of materials science and processing to develop novel, high-performance solutions to address waste management needs.
• Provides clear and concise written and oral presentation of data, analysis and conclusions and contribute to technical papers and proposals.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a high school diploma /GED or higher
• Candidates must be degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited college or university
• Candidates must be taking at least 6 credit hours and have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5

Preferred Qualifications:

• The applicant preferably has an understanding and interest in learning about development and performance of nuclear waste forms.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

 

Experimental work involves exposure to typical laboratory chemicals and equipment including corrosive materials and high temperature furnaces that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards.

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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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.

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

 

Regular Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met.

Temporary Hourly:

Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance.

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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.