Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

 

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

 

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

 

The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. 

Responsibilities

The Strategic Threat Analysis (STA) group leverages partnerships around the world and expertise spanning multiple domains to address complex domestic and international security challenges. STA equips decision makers with nuanced insights and mitigation strategies in a rapidly evolving threat landscape shaped by emergent adversaries and technologies. Our experts bring a deep understanding of technical analysis, nonproliferation, risk and resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated approaches, and vulnerabilities within international systems and institutions.

 

Conduct public international law, comparative law, and domestic legal and regulatory research primarily related to nuclear law and regulation, and other international security issues arising from the deployment of technology. Topic areas may include, inter alia, outer space law, U.N. sanctions implementation and counterproliferation finance, export control law, and cyber security law. Activities will include: analyzing international law and policy and existing national laws, regulations, and policy documents to identify divergences; supporting the development or delivery of curricula for foreign technical assistance related to chemical, biological, nuclear and radioactive materials security and international nuclear safeguards; and researching, drafting, and contributing to written products that contain related legal analysis.

• Apply knowledge of international law, U.S. law and policy, theory, and general industry standards/practices in the following subject areas: novel applications and deployments of nuclear technologies (e.g., maritime, outer space); strategic trade controls; arms control; international nuclear safeguards; security of extremely hazardous, weaponizable chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and associated facilities and activities; cybersecurity; and governance and risk mitigation of artificial intelligence.
• Utilize technical expertise in one or more legal and/or policy disciplines or subfields; determine significance and reliability of incoming information; integrate new information with current data. Apply and interpret theories, principles, methods, tools, and technologies within an area of specialty.
• Provide technical expertise, analysis, and publishable products to advance knowledge of law and policy and address some of the most challenging problems in national security, energy, and the environment.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from diverse and complex sources including AI tools.
• Has experience monitoring regulatory, policy, licensing or other business developments and translating findings into actionable process or service improvement recommendations.
• Has knowledge of theory and general industry standards/practices in nonproliferation-related disciplines or subject areas, such as space and maritime law, international safeguards, nuclear export control, arms control, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear security, including the application of established policies, procedures, and analytic techniques to generate solutions.
• May work on discrete pieces of larger projects or simultaneously with different customers or on different projects. Works independently with appropriate oversight. Seeks out mentoring and professional development opportunities.

This position will be remote or located in Richland, WA; Seattle, WA; or Washington D.C. based on business need.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA, PhD, or JD/LLM and 3 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in Political Science, International Studies, and Law (Juris Doctor), with experience or focus in international law or a technical, security-related discipline. 
• 3 years of relevant experience in the legal and policy aspects in the following subject areas: novel applications and deployments of nuclear technologies (e.g. maritime, outer space); strategic trade controls; arms control; international nuclear safeguards; security of extremely hazardous, weaponizable chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and associated facilities and activities; cybersecurity; and governance and risk mitigation of artificial intelligence. 

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

 

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States.  The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct. 

 

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). 

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program. 

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

 

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

 

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

 

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $108,500.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $162,900.00/Yr.