Actinide Scientist, Intermediate

Savannah-River-National-Laboratory; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Savannah River National Laboratory seeks a highly skilled chemist to lead and contribute to radiochemistry and actinide research, advancing nuclear materials processing and waste disposition across the DOE complex.

The candidate will design and execute experiments, collaborate across disciplines, mentor staff, and develop proposals while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in the laboratory.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physical Sciences or Engineering with a publication record.
• Experience in radiochemical experiments and nuclear materials processing.
• Knowledge of molten salt electrochemistry and electroanalytical techniques.
• Hands-on experience with inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.
• DOE National Laboratory post-doctoral experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in design, execution, and analysis of radiochemical experiments.
• Autonomously apply radiochemical methods for nuclear materials processing.
• Collaborate across disciplines; mentor junior staff and interns.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Develop proposals for new research projects and funding opportunities.

Skills

Radiochemistry

Actinide chemistry

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Experimental design & analysis

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Physical Sciences

Ph.D. in Engineering

Tools

Molten salt electrochemistry

Electroanalytical chemistry

Inert-atmosphere gloveboxes

Job description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced chemist to join our expert team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and contributing to radiochemistry and actinide research and development projects, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and advancing the laboratory's mission to address critical nuclear and environmental challenges. The entry level scientist will be focused on leading, advancing, developing, and applying actinide chemistry knowledge in a research and development environment to anticipate, innovate, and deliver solutions in support of the mission.The candidate will also have a thorough background in molten salt reactor chemistry and advanced nuclear reactors.

This position may involve discovery, design, and development of innovative solutions which advance the state of the art. Specifically, the researcher will be responsible for performing and documenting laboratory applied science experimentation in the field of radioactive and hazardous material processing (including used nuclear fuel), stabilization, and characterization to enable nuclear materials processing, site cleanup, and waste disposition across the Department of Energy (DOE) complex.

Work scope may include process support of operating facilities at Savannah River Site (SRS) and throughout the DOE complex to include chemical characterization, expansion of scientific boundaries in nuclear knowledge and processes, optimization, integration, and/or process troubleshooting of current site or DOE-complex processes, nuclear material disposition experimentation, and development of novel waste forms or reclamation processes.Candidate is expected to develop novel solutions and creative proposals to secure additional research funding. Relevant technical skillsets include knowledge of advanced chemical characterization techniques, nuclear materials processing, and process integration.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Lead and assist in the design, execution, and analysis of radiochemical experiments and projects. Autonomously develop and apply radiochemical methods for the characterization and processing of nuclear materials.

Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other professionals across various disciplines. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff and interns.

Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and preparing presentations of research results to be presented at national/international conferences/workshops/meetings.

Lead the development of proposals for new research projects and funding opportunities. Maintain currency in relevant scientific literature to support research interests and proposal development.

Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in all laboratory activities.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physical Sciences (e.g., chemistry, or materials science, or physics) or Ph.D. in Engineering (e.g., chemical engineering or nuclear engineering)

A developing publication record with demonstrated oral and published written communication skills

Demonstrated experience in molten salt electrochemistry and electroanalytical chemistry.

Hands-on experience with inert-atmosphere gloveboxes.

Post-Doctoral Experience at a DOE National Laboratory

Security Clearance Information

This position will require selected candidate to be able to obtain a DOE Security Clearance. BSRA is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, criminal records, and employment history, and education verifications. Positions with BSRA require applicants to have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L or Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Factors such as pre-employment background review results, dual citizenship status, and unpaid and/or unfiled taxes may impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. This list of factors is not exhaustive; pre-employment information and security clearance requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

About Us

"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% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at www.srnl.doe.gov .

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at [e-mail] with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

About the Team

SRNL’s Environmental & Legacy Management (ELM) Directorate closely collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and site contractors to develop, mature, and apply science and technology needed to resolve environmental challenges and advance legacy management missions. As the lead laboratory for Environmental Management (DOE-EM) and Legacy Management (DOE-LM), SRNL applies our talent and expertise to develop and deploy innovative approaches and technologies to reduce risk, cost, and schedule of environmental cleanup and nuclear material processing. Additionally, ELM is using our competencies to develop new materials and processes for a range of clean energy applications.

Job Info

• Job Identification 2212
• Job Category Engineering and Science
• Posting Date 09/15/2026, 02:49 PM
• Degree Level Post-Doctorate
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 773-A
• Job Location Onsite
• Work Schedule AA: Straight Days (Mon-Fri), 9 Hours