Radiological Safety & Security Scientist - Brookhaven National Laboratory

As part of BNL’s Environment, Biology, Nuclear Sciences and Nonproliferation Directorate (EBNN), the Nonproliferation and National Security Department (NN) carries out research and development, provides technical support, and builds prototype systems to further U.S. government initiatives and policies in nuclear materials safeguards and security, arms control treaty verification, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, radiological security and related national security areas. Within NN, the Radiological Response Programs Group includes the longstanding Radiological Assistance Program (RAP)_Region 1 Team, established in 1958 to support radiological safety in the northeast United States, and programs that provide similar support internationally. 

NN is recruiting a scientist to lead the international programs and expand them to include research and development activities in the fields of radiological safety, security and protection, health physics, disaster assistance, counterterrorism, and counterproliferation. 

Position Description 

The Radiological Safety and Security Scientist is primarily responsible for supporting the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which includes procurement, maintenance, and deployment of program equipment that is resident at BNL, participating in exercises with domestic and international partners, and supporting deployments at the request of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  In this role, you will support the Region 1 Radiological Assistance Program as a team member. In addition, you will contribute to the growth of a related R&D program for sponsors that would include the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense.   This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage DART equipment for USAID, including maintenance, calibrations, and software updates

• Participate in planning of domestic and international DART exercises

• Manage shipments of equipment as necessary to support DART exercises

• Participate in DART exercises as Health Physics expert and advisor

• Manage subcontracts related to DART activities (e.g., for calibration and communication)

• Participate in RAP Team operations as a team member

• Meet with potential sponsors and prepare proposals for R&D projects

• Collaborate with other technical experts in NN and across BNL

• Manage ongoing R&D projects

• Prepare technical papers for presentation at conferences, sponsor review meetings, and workshops

• Prepare progress reports for sponsors

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering or related field with minimum of twelve (12) years progressively responsible, directly related full-time work experience -or- Master’s degree in Health Physics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering or related field with a minimum of nine (9) years progressively responsible, directly related full-time work experience

• Demonstrated high proficiency in project management with excellent organizational and communication skills

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft programs such as Word, Outlook, Power Point, Project, and Excel

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills

• Working knowledge of commercial radiation measurement devices

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams, which will include scientific, law enforcement, and U.S. and foreign government personnel

• Knowledge of industry sponsors and their R&D interests

• Ability to obtain sponsor funding and/or contribute to the projects of other department principal investigators

• Ability to meet deadlines and work within budgetary constraints

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy Q clearance

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• PhD in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Physics or related field with a minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible, directly related full-time work experience

• American Board of Health Physics certification, or ability to obtain certification

• Knowledge of DART and RAP programs and related software systems

• Previous experience with NNSA, DHS and DOD R&D and implementation support activities

• Experience with domestic and international shipping

• Current Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) member with active qualifications

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office and laboratory environment

• Ability to lift moderately heavy equipment (up to 30 lbs)

• Ability to work irregular hours

• Ability to work in a radiologically-contaminated environment

• Ability to deploy for domestic missions on short notice.

• The successful candidate will be required to maintain Radworker qualifications.

Other Information:

• This is an on-site position eligible for consideration of flexible work arrangement (hybrid/ telework) at the discretion of the manager/Dept. Chair

• Periodic International and domestic travel ~20%

• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of employment.

• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $110850 - $189233 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.