Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
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Position description
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resilience, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs, delivering solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated approaches, and vulnerabilities within international systems and institutions.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
Application instructions
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