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Plutonium Scientist, Advanced

Savannah River National Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off, relocation assistance
United States, South Carolina, Aiken
Savannah River Site (Show on map)
Apr 24, 2026

The Savannah River National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Plutonium Scientist to lead research & development activities related to the purification, processing, and characterization of actinide metals, and assist in the business growth of the division. In this role, the candidate may oversee activities focused on elucidating the impact of processing conditions and aging on material properties/performance, and/or design and testing of various prototype systems to optimize processing of plutonium metal in support of defense programs.

In these activities the candidate will work collaboratively as part of a small high-performance team, demonstrate effective communication with others, and apply technical expertise in his/her field of specialization to solve complex scientific and engineering problems. A successful candidate will also be able to assist in project planning/execution, mentor junior scientists, and have a demonstrated history of securing funding, preparing technical documents, and interfacing with sponsors.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Ensure work is performed safely, responsibly, securely, and in accordance with laboratory principles, policies, and procedures.

  2. Lead and partner on proposal teams, as well as manage technical and programmatic aspects of successfully won projects.

  3. Lead R&D activities to deliver high-quality creative and innovative solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems.

  4. Contribute to intellectual property by developing technical reports, publications, and patents.

  5. Mentor junior scientists and engineers, postdoctoral researchers, and student interns.

  6. Maintain a national presence at technical meetings, both internal to DOE and through professional organizations.


Minimum Qualifications:

  • M.S. or PhD in science or engineering with 10 or more years of experience in materials research.

  • Established research record in a relevant field as evidenced by a publication record of technical reports, peer -reviewed articles, presentations, and/or granted patents.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance for which, U.S. citizenship is legally required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree in metallurgy, material science & engineering, chemistry, or related field with relevant research or industrial laboratory experience.

  • Experience interfacing with defense program sponsors.
  • Experience with handling, purifying, processing, and/or characterizing plutonium metal.

  • Experience with modelling, simulation, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence.

  • Demonstrated experience in successfully leading multi-disciplinary research teams in the laboratory and/or field.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple organizations/agencies and leveraging those relationships to further group research goals and increase business volume.

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation's environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the *Benefits offered to employees include:

*Benefits vary based upon employment status




  • Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
  • AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
  • Savings & Investment plan:


    • Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
    • Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)

  • Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
  • Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.



For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab at www.srnl.doe.gov.

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at SRNLRecruiting@srnl.doe.gov with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.

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