Senior/Principal Analytical Radiochemist, Innovation R&D Chemistry MCFR

TITLE: Senior/Principal Analytical Radiochemist, Innovation R&D Chemistry MCFR

LOCATION: Everett, WA

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower’s mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company’s activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits.

TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, as a federal contractor, TerraPower has instituted an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) to proactively recruit, hire, and promote women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

Senior/Principal Analytical Radiochemist, Innovation R&D Chemistry MCFR

TerraPower is seeking a Senior or Principal Analytical Radiochemist to support the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) program. This position reports to the MCFR R&D Chemistry Discipline Manager. The role centers on analytical radiochemistry supporting the development and deployment of next-generation molten salt reactor technology, beginning with the design of radiochemical experiments and development of analytical methodologies, and evolving toward validation of salt stability, process integrity, and product qualification in support of reactor safety, performance, and safeguards. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Safeguards, Testing & Materials, Plant Design, and Fuel Cycle teams in a high-performing, multi-disciplinary environment to provide data critical to enabling design decisions and ensuring regulatory compliance. This role is hybrid with on-site presence required four days per week at our Everett, WA laboratory. In this role, you will lead the charge in analytical radiochemistry as both expert and innovator, building the experimental backbone for TerraPower’s groundbreaking molten salt reactor technology, and help power a carbon-free future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development and implementation of robust analytical methods and procedures for MCFR sample characterization, including gamma spectroscopy, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and other relevant techniques

• Manage analytical scope related to measuring purity, and mass balance of MCFR products, and analyzing in-process samples for quality control

• Lead development and implementation of robust chemical and analytical separation processes needed to produce high quality data from high salt containing samples

• Direct installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of MCFR radioanalytical instruments and equipment

• Recommend and develop alternative approaches for quantification and characterization of samples

• Ensure laboratory procedures are developed, maintained, and continuously improved and maintain high standards of organization, housekeeping, and operational effectiveness in MCFR analytical and radiochemistry facilities

• Ensure and promote strict adherence to site safety, radiation protection, and regulatory guidelines, working closely with health physicists, authorized users, and the RSO.

• Report progress on team and project performance to senior management through presentations, updates, and technical communications

• Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities, safety practices, and team effectiveness

• Direct the radiochemistry team’s analytical contributions to complement MC&A R&D activities for the MCFR fuel cycle, ensuring effective coordination with the safeguards and the testing teams

• Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities and ensure organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of TerraPower radiochemistry use areas is maintained at a high standard at all times

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physical sciences, chemical or material engineering or a related technical field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred; (Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s for level 11; minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s, for level 12). Experience may be partially substituted for advanced degree depending on position relevance.

• Extensive hands-on experience in each of gamma spectroscopy, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES for measurement of purity of alpha-emitting radioisotopes

• Proven track record in analytical method development using the above techniques

• Demonstrated capability for developing procedures adherent to a NQA-1 quality program

• Strong background in radiochemical separations (e.g., column separations, liquid-liquid extractions) as well as techniques relevant to chemical manipulation and purification of actinide compounds and fission products, is desirable is highly desirable

• Knowledge of chemometrics and/or machine learning is desired

• Knowledge of relevant instrumentation and technique fundamentals (design, theory and interpretation) is a plus

• Experience with gas chromatography and neutron-based approaches is a plus

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders

• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork

Job Functions:

Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.

• Motor Abilities: Sitting and standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).

• Repetitive work: Prolonged.

• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work and ability to perform role in personal protective equipment.

• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day.

• Work location: This is an on-site position and the applicant will be expected to spend significant time at the Everett labs in WA.

TerraPower’s technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government. TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements. To facilitate TerraPower’s export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Government export authorization approval times vary. Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.

Job details:

Salary Range Level 11: $138,685 - $208,027

Salary Range Level 12: $168-316 - $252-475

• Typically, our employee salaries are within .90 – 1.0 of the mid-point of the posted salary bands. Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

• Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments

• Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits Medical

• 401k Plan

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Generous Holiday Schedule

• Relocation Assistance

• Professional and Educational Support Opportunities

• Flexible Work Schedule

TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/