Post Bachelors Research Associate - Research Computing

Overview

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 directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems , Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.

At PNNL, our Computing and Information Technology organization is redefining how we work and innovate by reimagining the digital workplace. We empower research and streamline operations—making both faster, smarter, and more efficient—so our professionals can tackle some of the world's toughest challenges in science, energy, and national security. Our experts in AI, cybersecurity, design, and engineering work side by side, using real-time insights and human-centered design to break down barriers. Ready to make your mark on tomorrow? Come work with us.

Research Computing empowers researchers by removing technical barriers to discovery. We provide access to cutting-edge resources, including high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated compute, scientific software, research data management (featuring the PNNL Research Library), and cloud computing. Through events like TechFest, which brings staff together to showcase projects and discuss new research possibilities, we cultivate a vibrant culture of computing and drive interdisciplinary collaboration to advance computationally enabled science.

Responsibilities

As a Post-Bachelor Research Associate, you will leverage your expertise in advanced computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and scientific programming to tackle high-impact research challenges at PNNL. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions that modernize research applications, optimize computational models, and accelerate discovery.

Responsibilities Include:

• Collaborating with mentors and cross-disciplinary teams to address research or technical challenges in AI systems, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
• Taking ownership of specific projects to prototype, modernize, or enhance applications using tools like Azure, React/TypeScript/JavaScript, ML platforms, and coding pipelines.
• Conducting hands-on development and analysis using Python for workflows, cloud configuration, or data visualization tasks.
• Presenting findings, code deliverables, and results to the CIO and senior staff, ensuring critical insights are supported by robust documentation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Bachelor’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science, or Cybersecurity
• Minimum GPA of 3.8/4.0 (Must provide transcripts or proof of academic awards).
• Prior working experience working at a National Laboratory
• Recognition such as Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s List, or other academic honors preferred.

Technical Experience:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C++, SwiftUI.
• Familiarity with modern cloud and development practices, including Azure DevOps, Bloodhound, Neo4j, Kerberos, and ML tools/platforms.
• Hands-on experience modernizing applications or researching "agentic AI" capabilities.
• Strong scripting experience for workflow automation, pipeline development, and software enhancements.

Professional Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+, AWS/Cloud certifications, or equivalent industry-recognized credentials in cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with standards or methodologies used in National Laboratories.

Research Focus/Experience:

• Background designing and implementing research experiments using AI or cybersecurity systems.
• Previous work in cybersecurity workshops, HPC systems, ML workflows, or national lab research projects.
• Proven ability to apply data analysis, visualization techniques, or counterterrorism intelligence tools in real-world applications.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable.

Additional Information

Requires U.S. Citizen, or person who is currently in the U.S. or U.S. Territory with residency for the preceding 3 continuous years.

Testing Designated Position

Not a Testing Designated Position.

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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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 ... .

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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

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.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

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.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $26.92/Hr.
Maximum Salary

USD $35.00/Hr.