November/December 2024

Hunting for Dark Matter Axions

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) physicists are advancing the search for dark matter through their critical contributions to the Axion Dark Matter Experiment (ADMX). By developing ultra-sensitive microwave receivers and refining detection technologies, they are helping to identify faint signals that could confirm the existence of axions, a leading dark matter candidate. This research not only explores the universe’s hidden mass but also drives innovation in related technologies. Read full feature.

How 'Clean' Does a Quantum Computing Test Facility Need to Be? PNNL Scientists Show the Way

PNNL scientists have developed a specialized underground testbed to study the impact of environmental radiation on superconducting qubits, essential components of quantum computers. By constructing a cryostat within a lead-shielded, ultra-clean underground laboratory, they have significantly reduced radiation exposure, enhancing qubit coherence times. This advancement is crucial for the development of practical quantum computing technologies. Read news release. 

Paving the Way for Fusion Commercialization

PNNL researchers co-organized the “Western U.S. Fusion Commercialization Hub Workshop,” uniting experts from government, industry, and academia to address challenges in bringing fusion energy to the electric grid. The workshop focused on workforce development, technological advancement, and community engagement, aiming to create a strategic plan for the fusion energy economy. Read full highlight. 

PNNL Events

PNNL researchers will be featured at these upcoming conferences.

Nondestructive Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Components Technical Workshop

PNNL is hosting the Third Technical Workshop on Nondestructive Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Components from April 29–30, 2025, in Richland, Washington. Learn about advancements in nondestructive evaluation for components used in the energy, infrastructure, and national security sectors. View the event page. 

Career Conference

Join PNNL staff during the Spring 2025 virtual recruitment event, March 17–20, 2025. Staff members and recruiters will share career opportunities available across the lab. The Career Connections event welcomes everyone, regardless of career level, grade level, or academic program. View the event page.

Nuclear Career Opportunities Across PNNL Research and Operations Missions

• Physicist 3: Responsible for conducting research on neutrinos, dark matter, and quantum information science, as well as developing radiation detection systems and contributing to simulations, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaborations to address critical challenges in science and security. Apply by December 27. Req ID: 9926
• Physicist 3: Focuses on developing advanced radiation detection systems and conducting research at the intersection of national security, environmental sciences, and nuclear physics. Responsible for contributing to cutting-edge experimental efforts in neutrino and dark matter detection, quantum information science, and ultra-sensitive nuclear measurements to address critical challenges in safeguarding national security and advancing scientific discovery. Apply by December 27. Req ID: 9925
• Chemical Engineer 1 - Separations Chemistry: Focuses on designing and operating chemical processes and unit operations to develop innovative products and solutions for environmental cleanup, energy, and national security needs. Responsible for performing we chemistry and benchwork, following testing protocols, and engaging with senior chemists and engineers to support research and development activities in a radiochemical processing laboratory environment. Apply by December 16. Req ID: 10063
• NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program – Class of 2025: 12-month, salaried opportunity to work alongside leading experts in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Contributes to mission areas such as national security research, policy, and project management. Fellows engage in professional development, networking, and training, supporting critical national security activities at NNSA program offices or site locations across the United States. Apply by January 3. Req ID: 9886
• Network Engineer: Responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining secure and efficient computer networks and systems to support national security missions. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, optimizing network performance, and implementing cybersecurity measures while collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance PNNL’s mission to safeguard critical infrastructures and counter emerging threats. Apply by December 23. Req ID: 9793
• Undergraduate Intern - DHS WIRED Development Program: Offers undergraduate students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) a 10-12-week opportunity to engage in research addressing national security challenges. Interns collaborate with experts in fields such as analytics, engineering, and computer science, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to innovative solutions that enhance that nation’s safety and resilience. Apply by January 20. Req ID: 9928
• Masters Intern - DHS WIRED Development Program: Provides graduate students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with a 10-12-week opportunity to engage in research-based experiences addressing national security challenges. Collaborates with experts in fields such as analytics, engineering, and cyber science, contributing to innovative solutions that enhance the safety and resilience of our nation. Apply by January 20. Req ID: 9929
• PhD Intern - DHS WIRED Development Program: Offers doctoral students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) a 10-12-week research opportunity to address complex national security challenges. Interns collaborate with leading experts in areas like analytics, cyber science, and engineering, applying advanced research to develop innovative solutions that enhance national safety and resilience. Apply by January 20. Req ID: 9930
• Post Doc Research Associate - Subsurface Reactive Transport: Responsible for running multiphase reactive transport models using the PFLOTRAN simulator to study CO2 injection, mineralization, and critical mineral extraction. Collaborates on projects related to geothermal energy, contaminant transport, and nuclear waste disposal while contributing to high-impact research and advancing innovative solutions for subsurface Earth systems. Apply by December 31. Req ID: 9876
• Post Doctorate RA - Biomimetic Materials: Responsible for designing and synthesizing bio-inspired materials, including peptoid membranes and crystalline nanomaterials. The role involves developing composite membranes, conducting advanced characterizations, and exploring fundamental challenges in biomimetic materials synthesis, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to impactful publications. Apply by January 27. Req ID: 9596

See full details on these and additional opportunities on the Careers website; search for “nuclear.” Join our Talent Community and upload your resume to receive updates on future PNNL job postings.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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