Job Description (show details...)

Summary

The scientist 2 is responsible for a broad set of activities within a scientific discipline in support of research and development (R&D) science, which is defined as the application of scientific principles under the scientific method to address technical problems; or to develop novel techniques or principles; or to analyze data or outcomes from experiments (in the real world or in the computational domain) or from observational procedures in the context of the underlying scientific principles or models. Broad experience in a relevant technical discipline is required

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are primary responsibilities for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training and assures compliance; makes safety and security an integral part of every task. Takes steps to stop work if unsafe conditions exist or security is compromised.
2. Adheres to scientific policies, programs, procedures and practices.
3. Promotes a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and that supports cooperation, teamwork, and resource sharing.
4. Follows the generally-accepted procedure of the Scientific Method, namely: (1) observation of specific phenomena, (2) construction of  an hypothesis or hypotheses to explain these phenomena, (3) testing of the hypothesis or hypotheses by experiment or other measurable, empirical techniques, and (4) dissemination of ideas, models, tests, data, and hypotheses to the peer community and beyond.
5. Applies and interprets, on a broad basis, existing scientific principles, techniques, methods and tools to provide solutions for a wide assortment of complex problems
6. Contributes to the design, testing, analysis, verification, and validation of scientific solutions in support of R&D initiatives.
7. Develops technical approach, using creativity in applying standard practices and procedures, and leads technical decisions, including selections of technical alternatives, for assigned work.
8. Develops new methods, techniques or approaches to address critical technical problems. Develops new technical capabilities.
9. Develops technical products such as journal papers and reports. Contributes to the development of intellectual property leading to publications, copyrights, and/or patents.
10. Contributes to the completion of milestones on multiple projects. Contributes to the achievement of programmatic objectives.
11. Sets direction and goals for well-defined tasks involving more than one person. Scopes tasks within a project and defines deliverables at task level. Leads specific project tasks to meet scope, schedule and budget.
12. Actively participates in professional societies, complex interactions, special assignments, and/or external special interest groups. May participate in external working groups and/or assist in organizing meetings and colloquia.
13. Provides peer review of the work of others across organizations or disciplines.
14. Mentors junior staff and peers in technical and professional growth. May mentor students and/or post-docs.
15. Acquires funding support for self and, optionally, for others.
16. Maintains state-of-the-art technical expertise and knowledge within discipline, and develops new skills in related disciplines. May attain additional certifications and/or qualifications, which may include more advanced educational degrees.

Job Knowledge

• Significant knowledge and experience in one or more technical research and development disciplines.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles of scientific integrity.
• Significant knowledge and experience in developing and implementing technical research and development projects including the formulation and testing of hypotheses, investigation of alternative solutions, and recommendation of solutions to technical problems.
• Significant knowledge and experience in formulating and presenting results to technical audiences and readerships.
• Significant knowledge and experience of appropriate safe practices for technical work.

Education

• Typical educational requirement is a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in science from an accredited college or university.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

• Receives occasional oversight on specific objectives, as well as on complex problems and solutions.  Completed work products are subject to supervisory review.

B. Supervision Exercised

• Provides technical coordination and/or guidance to junior staff and peers, as needed.

C. Contacts

• Position typically requires effective networking with peers across the division and/or the Laboratory. May have independent interactions with peers, organizations, and/or sponsors external to the Laboratory.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.