Chemical Scientist

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory invites applications for chemical scientists to advance novel separations for critical materials production. You will collaborate with geologists, chemists, engineers, and computational scientists to develop scalable beneficiation and separation methods.

The role emphasizes developing an independent, funded research portfolio, disseminating results through high-impact publications, and partnering with industry to deploy technologies.

Qualifications

• MS with 6 years related experience or PhD with 4 years related experience.
• Level 5 requires MS with 9 years or PhD with 6 years related experience.
• Experience conducting technical research and contributing to R&D strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research programs focused on novel chemical/electrochemical separations.
• Pursue and secure funding by developing proposals and industry partnerships.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers and technical reports; present at conferences.
• Provide programmatic and technical leadership within specialty areas.
• Identify growth areas and contribute to department roadmaps and investments.
• May lead a dynamic team of junior staff, postdocs, and other technical staff.
• Act as project lead or lead technical roles across multiple tasks and projects.

Skills

Research leadership

Funding proposals

Technical writing

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

MS in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science

PhD in chemistry/chemical engineering/related

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.