At PNNL, Data Scientists work at the intersection of scientific discovery and advanced machine learning, contributing across our major science and technology directorates. Each directorate addresses distinct mission-driven challenges, providing opportunities to develop novel algorithms, advance computational methods, and apply data‑centric approaches to complex real‑world scientific and national challenges.
We’re looking for passionate Data Scientists who are driven by curiosity, rigor, and impact – individuals who excel in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments and are motivated to push the boundaries of what data and machine learning can achieve. Whether developing scalable models, designing new learning paradigms, deploying AI systems in operational settings, or translating data into actionable scientific insight, you will play a key role in advancing research and enabling high‑impact decisions across domains.
Responsibilities
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Design, develop, train, and test scalable learning architectures for high‑dimensional and multimodal data, including domain‑aligned deep learning, NLP, and scientific ML.
- Generative AI and Foundation Models: Develop and evaluate large‑scale generative systems, including fine‑tuning, agents, tool use, and optimization for robustness, alignment, and efficiency.
- AI Assurance, Security, & Evaluation: Apply adversarial machine learning, explainable AI (xAI), AI assurance methods, and evaluate AI systems across performance metrics, out‑of‑distribution generalization, and mission‑specific assurance criteria.
- Data Science and Statistical Learning: Use statistical and analytical methods for structured and unstructured data, including inference, integration, pattern discovery, and uncertainty quantification.
- Scientific Computing and Software Systems: Build high‑performance software for ML and scientific workloads using Python ecosystems and modern frameworks, integrating with simulation and robotics platforms such as ROS, MuJoCo, IsaacSim, and Gazebo.
- RF Signal Processing and Sensing Systems: Apply AI/ML to RF signal processing, communications, and remote sensing, including spectrum awareness, adaptive communication systems, and edge deployment in noisy, dynamic, or contested environments.
- Robotics and Autonomy: Develop intelligent embodied systems spanning motion planning, model predictive control, control barrier functions, vision‑language‑action models, reinforcement learning, and sim‑to‑real transfer.
- Optimization and Algorithmic Methods: Problem‑solve large‑scale, nonlinear, mixed integer, and constrained optimization problems for decision‑making and system design, using tools such as Gurobi and CPLEX.
- AI for Quantum Systems & Computing: Apply machine learning to quantum systems, including state estimation, control, error mitigation, and hybrid quantum‑classical algorithms.
- Research and Mission Translation: Translate research into deployable solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Technical Leadership & Program Execution: Scope, plan, and deliver complex technical projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and milestone execution.
- Business Development: Develop novel research directions, brief stakeholders, and lead proposal development, contributing to secure funding.
- Community and Scientific Leadership: Engage and lead across academic, industry, and national laboratory communities.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS/BA in science or engineering and 7+ years of relevant work experience – or
- MS/MA in science or engineering and 5+ years of relevant work experience – or
- PhD in science or engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience.
Hazardous Working Conditions / Environment
Not applicable.
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Requirements
- Background investigation required; must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter under 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal substances, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
- For those with a three‑year U.S. residency requirement, additional credentialing may be required.
Benefits
Eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, telehealth, mental health services, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, tuition assistance, and retirement savings plan. Detailed information is available upon request.
Minimum Salary
USD $166,800.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $275,200.00/Yr.