Electrochemist

Talascend is currently seeking a Electrochemist for a contract opportunity with our client in Everett, Washington (near Seattle).

Overview

As a MCFR Electrochemist, you will play a direct and pivotal role in conducting experiments related to the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) technology. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact advanced nuclear energy research by designing, executing, and analyzing high-temperature electrochemical experiments that advance our understanding of chloride-based molten salt systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze electrochemical experiments involving chloride-based molten salt systems, with an emphasis on high-temperature operations and support thermodynamic and kinetic measurements therein.
• Investigate the electrochemistry of actinide compounds in molten salts.
• Develop electroanalytical techniques for probing MCFR fuel and coolant salts, including sensor fabrication, calibration, and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-functional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary team, ensuring effective communication and coordination across project efforts.
• Contribute to the development of experimental setups, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring data quality and operational safety.
• Present findings in a clear, concise manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Assist and lead in radiochemistry laboratory developments, including the design of flexible experimental electrochemistry capabilities to support R&D activities.
• Prepare or assist with technical reports, peer review manuscripts, intellectual property documents and conference presentations.
• Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation).
• Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, including effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, authorized users and RSO.
• Emphasize safety in new and existing designs and safe practices in all experimental activities.
• Assist in the training, developing, and mentoring of employees.
• Perform other general duties associated with position as member of the team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of R&D efforts.

Qualifications

• A doctoral (PhD) degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, materials science, physics, nuclear engineering, or a related subject.
• A master’s degree in related disciplines and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in related disciplines and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

Requirements

• Proven hands-on experience with high-temperature molten salt electrochemistry is required.
• Background in the electrochemistry of actinide or fission products in molten chloride salts is desired.
• Strong experimental design skills and laboratory capabilities are needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in team settings, with a focus on safety, composure, and timely decision-making is needed.
• Demonstrated experience working in inert and moisture-free atmospheres, such as gloveboxes and Schlenk lines, and adapting equipment for use in such environments is required.
• Hands on experience in handling actinide salts in gloveboxes and fume hoods is required.
• Experience with design and execution of electrochemical experiments is required.
• Experience in at least 2 characterization methods that include but are not limited to ICP-OES, ICP-MS, TGA/DSC, XRD, and SEM in addition to other common laboratory analytical techniques is desired.
• Experience with design and execution of experiments involving high temperature molten salts preferred.
• Demonstrated performance and leadership within multifunctional teams and in the execution of complex projects is desired.
• Experience working and communicating productively in a multidisciplinary team including R&D, production, quality assurance, and engineering design functions.
• Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into documents, and provide associated guidance to personnel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.

Shift

This is an on-site position, and the applicant will be expected to spend significant time at the Everett labs in WA.