Description

Job Description:

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

The Leidos Research Support Team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is seeking a Geochemist to join our team in Pittsburgh, PA. This opportunity will allow side by side execution of research with world-class scientists and engineers using state of the art equipment to contribute to new areas of basic and applied research. The employee will involve a multidisciplinary team, participation alongside other engineers, geologists, and data scientists to help develop next-generation tools aligned to the priorities of the DOE Fossil Energy and Carbon Management mission space.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform geologic characterization techniques such as x-ray fluorescence or x-ray diffraction on shale, kerogen, drill cuttings, coal ash, acid mine drainage treatment solids, or other geologic samples.
• Perform high magnification imaging and elemental characterization of geologic samples using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.
• Perform spectroscopic analyses such as FTIR, Raman, or X-ray/neutron scattering to probe molecular bonding mechanisms of gas-fluid-solid interactions.
• Design and conduct CO2 mineralization experiments for Ca-rich leachate from various feedstocks, such as fly ash, drill cuttings for re-use purposes.
• Perform leaching (TCLP, SPLP) and sequential extraction tests to characterize inorganic and organic phase mobility in geologic samples
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary team, including geologists and other science researchers to assist each other in accomplishing project-related tasks
• Building relationships with internal and external clients
• Creating and delivers oral and poster presentations of results
• Publications in high quality scientific peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international technical meetings.
• Development of new intellectual property based on the innovative research.
• Period status reporting and project reports (weekly/monthly/quarterly/annually) is required to update project managers and clients.
• This position will require extensive interface with clients and potential collaborative partners, so excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Basic Qualifications:

• Masters degree in geochemistry, environmental science, geology, materials characterization, or similar field with 1+ year experience.
• Applicants must have solid characterization experience, such as XRD, SEM, XRF, FTIR, preferably with shales and other geologic samples.
• Applicants must have basic knowledge of critical mineral recovery (e.g., lithium, cobalt and nickel), mineralogy and crystallography, analytical chemistry, fate and transport of trace metals, and field collection and sample processing for environmental and geological samples.
• Laboratory experiences in studying mineral synthesis and characterization (e.g., iron, manganese, and/or aluminum oxides), solid leaching, solid and/or aqueous characterization and using analytical instruments (e.g., IC, ICP) for environmental samples are desired.
• Understanding of and experience in surface and subsurface environments and rare earth elements/critical minerals
• Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in applications leveraging advanced analytics for energy and environmental systems.
• Experience with CO2 gas-fluid-solid geochemical reactivity.
• Applicants should also have a strong characterization background, including but not limited to: Raman Spectroscopy, Synchrotron microprobe (e.g., micro-X-Ray fluorescence, micro-X-Ray Adsorption Spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), IC or ICP, UV-vis and sequential extraction.
• Experience is preferred in the handling of complex geochemical specimens, creating data reports with proper quality assurance/quality control, developing new instrumental methods based on sample matrices and analytes of interests, and conducting instrument maintenance with independent problem diagnosing and solving abilities.
• Evidence of substantive participation in environmental and/or geologic scientific community.

Come join the Leidos Research Support Team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), where you’ll be able to work side by side conducting research with world-class scientists and engineers using state of the art equipment to contribute to new areas of basic and applied research; discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation’s energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. You will contribute to the development of patents, written reports, journal articles, and contribute to presentations on findings, highlights, and innovative solutions in DOE-sanctioned meetings, scientific conferences, and national committees. Explore the Research Support Services (RSS) contract for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) here - https://netl.doe.gov/

Program Specific Salary Range: $79K to $95K (depending on experience)

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.