Assistant Scientist

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Scientist to join their dynamic Nuclear Science Center. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research while contributing to national security and emergency readiness. You will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and prepare findings for publication. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this role promises to enhance your scientific career in a supportive environment that values impactful contributions to nuclear science. If you are passionate about research and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid sick and vacation leave

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional research experience in a scientific field.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Identify and define research problems and methodologies.
• Analyze results and prepare publications and reports.

Skills

Laboratory Research

Data Analysis

Quality Control

Scientific Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related scientific discipline

Master's degree in a related scientific discipline

Tools

Statistical Software

Laboratory Equipment

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

June 1, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s)

1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant

Business Title

Assistant Scientist

Employee Type

Admin. Professional

Position Details

The Opportunity:

The WSU Nuclear Science Center (NSC) provides a collaborative environment where WSU faculty, staff, students, and clients can succeed in their basic and applied nuclear science research goals. The NSC prepares WSU students for successful entry into the scientific workforce, provides the pathway to discovery in novel research, and makes impactful contributions to science and to the people who work and study here. The Center is a multidisciplinary teaching, research, and service endeavor designed to make high-impact contributions to nuclear science, national and international security, nuclear non-proliferation, and emergency readiness.

As the Assistant Scientist in the Nuclear Science Center in the Office of Research you will be responsible for identifying and defining research problems, designing approaches, hypotheses, and methodologies, designing specific phases of research projects, analyzing results, developing conclusions, and presenting research results in publishable form. You will perform laboratory research including the design of research approaches and identifying and defining research problems. Additionally, safely prepare, handle, and analyze samples that can be radioactive while also collecting, analyzing, and interpreting research data.

You will ensure quality control, in addition to making improvements to techniques and interpretation. Additionally, your duties will include assisting in preparing journal publications and progress reports. Maintaining daily laboratory and instrument operations. Conducting general laboratory maintenance and routine care of scientific instrumentation; sample preparation, orders supplies, keeps inventory records and maintains a safe working environment.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $3,750.85 - $5,397.56

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU’s Administrative Professional Compensation.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
• Satisfactory background check.
• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire.
• Within 6 months of hire, must complete the CPR, first aide, and AED trainings.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree, or Bachelors degree and at least two (2) years of laboratory/professional research experience.
• Knowledge of stoichiometry, sample preparation, and laboratory/experimental techniques.
• Experience with preparing quality data and reports.
• Skill in operating and calibrating scientific instrumentation.
  
  

About Department/College/Area/Campus: For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our websites here:

Nuclear Science Center | Washington State University

NUCS | Nuclear Science Center | Washington State University

Area/College

Office of Research

Department Name

Nuclear and Chemical Science (NUCS) Core Facility & Nuclear Science Center (NSC)

City, State, Zip

Pullman, WA 99164-1300

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type

Full time

Position Term

12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/