Chemical Scientist

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls is hiring chemical scientists to drive innovations in chemical separations for domestic critical materials production. These roles reside in the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department and require collaboration with geologists, chemists, engineers, and computational scientists to deploy new beneficiation technologies at scale.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MS with strong backgrounds in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, or

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry/engineering/materials with 6 years of related experience or PhD with 4 years of related experience.
• Level 5 requires MS with 9 years or PhD with 6 years of related experience.
• Experience conducting technical research and contributing to R&D strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research programs focused on novel chemical/electrochemical separations to improve critical materials production.
• Actively pursue and secure funding by leading proposals and industry partnerships.
• Write peer‑reviewed publications and technical reports for sponsors and peers at conferences.
• Provide programmatic and technical leadership to groups in areas of specialty.
• Identify growth areas and develop department roadmaps focusing investments in facilities, equipment, and human capital.
• May lead a dynamic team of junior staff, postdocs, and other technical personnel.
• May serve as project lead in multiple tasks or cross‑cutting projects for INL/DOE/industry.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Research leadership

Funding proposals

Publications

Team leadership

Education

MS in chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

PhD in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring chemical scientists to drive innovations in chemical separations to support domestic critical materials production. These positions, housed within the Critical Minerals and Geothermal Energy Department, will work closely with a team of geologists, chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and computational scientists to develop new beneficiation and separations technologies to unlock unconventional domestic critical material resources. A priority will be placed on experienced candidates with a strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials chemistry with applications in critical material separations. The chosen candidates will be expected to develop an independent, thriving, externally funded research portfolio, disseminate research results through technical presentations at conferences and high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and work closely with industry partners to deploy critical mineral and material production technologies at scale.

Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research programs focused on novel chemical and/or electrochemical separations to improve critical materials production. Work closely with other chemists, geologists, chemical engineers, and materials scientists to apply developed methods to novel feedstocks and integrate with upstream/downstream processing methods.
• Actively pursue and secure funding by leading the development of proposals and industry partnerships.
• Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports and represent INL through programmatic and technical presentations to sponsors and peers at conferences and symposia.
• Provide programmatic and technical leadership to various groups in area(s) of specialty.
• Assist management in the identification of growth areas and the development of department roadmaps that in turn focus strategic investments in facilities, equipment, and most importantly, human capital.
• May lead a dynamic team consisting of junior staff, postdoctoral researchers, and other technical staff.
• May serve as project lead and/or lead technical roles in multiple tasks or cross-cutting projects in support of INL, the Department of Energy (DOE), other government agencies, and industry.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Level 4: Masters of Science in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or closely related field from an accredited institution and (6) years of related professional experience or a Ph.D and (4) years of related professional experience.
• Level 5: Masters of Science in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or closely related field from an accredited institution and (9) years of related professional experience or a Ph.D and (6) years of related professional experience.
• Experience conducting technical research and participating actively in R&D strategy.

The ideal candidate will possess

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in engaging program sponsors at DOE, industry and other federal agencies.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally move up to 50 pounds using carts/dollies to move equipment into place. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336 / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.