Internal Safeguards Policy Expert

at  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Overview:
Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation’s borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.
Rockstar Rewards:

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Responsibilities:
Today’s threat landscape is shaped by rapidly evolving technologies, a flood of data and information, and new adversaries. Their convergence creates new types of threats that are outpacing our ability to respond, let alone prepare. To effectively anticipate, detect, and mitigate the challenges of tomorrow, we must examine them broadly and systematically using rigorous analytic approaches and develop solutions that integrate the latest science and technological advancements with practical policy and legal solutions.
Candidates for this position will support work being performed in PNNL’s Emerging Threats and Technologies (ETT) Division within the National Security Directorate (NSD). The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division’s mission space is comprised of cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, policy and intelligence, and security systems expertise. The organization consists of over 300 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. Our staff work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. Our collaborative environment and commitment to work/life balance makes PNNL an ideal place to advance your career, challenge yourself, and make a difference in the world.
The Strategic Threat Analysis group within the ETT Division scans for emerging threats and develops threat mitigation strategies that integrate data, scientific, and technical information into practical policy and legal options for decision makers. Our experts in law and policy leverage their understanding of current challenges and emerging trends in arms control, nonproliferation, strategic trade controls, and regional affairs to propose solutions that address gaps in legal frameworks, outdated policies, or weaknesses in international systems and institutions.

The Strategic Threat Analysis group is seeking an international safeguards policy analyst with knowledge and training in technical areas relevant to safeguards including, nuclear engineering, radiation detection, nuclear security, data analysis, and the nuclear fuel cycle to address emerging threats and trends impacting the international safeguards and broader national security space. The specific responsibilities include the following:

• Applies comprehensive knowledge and understanding of safeguards practices, stakeholders, legal frameworks, and deployed systems to implement international safeguards policy and engagement projects
• Leads strategic direction of high-impact programs and projects
• Supports or leads scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level for projects involving international safeguards systems and technologies
• Leads multi-disciplinary teams to address current and emerging safeguards challenges
• Develops strong relationships with sponsors at Departments of Energy, State and Defense; National Nuclear Security Administration; and international partners engaged in safeguards implementation
• Generates new ideas for proposals and business development opportunities while leading development of technical section of medium to large proposals

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional work experience with key safeguards stakeholders, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency or the National Nuclear Security Administration
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of technical safeguards instrumentation and approaches to address safeguards policy and implementation challenges
• Willingness to perform as a team member on multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with high expectations for quality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills, including detail-oriented writing and the ability to convey complex information accurately
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to obtain an TS/SCI clearance

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Not applicable.
Additional Information:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

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 candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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 until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position (TDP):
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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity:
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws

• Applies comprehensive knowledge and understanding of safeguards practices, stakeholders, legal frameworks, and deployed systems to implement international safeguards policy and engagement projects
• Leads strategic direction of high-impact programs and projects
• Supports or leads scoping, scheduling, and budgeting at a project or major task level for projects involving international safeguards systems and technologies
• Leads multi-disciplinary teams to address current and emerging safeguards challenges
• Develops strong relationships with sponsors at Departments of Energy, State and Defense; National Nuclear Security Administration; and international partners engaged in safeguards implementation
• Generates new ideas for proposals and business development opportunities while leading development of technical section of medium to large proposal