Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 1 day ago
Post Masters Research Associate – Waterpower Science & Ecology
Richland, WA
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$80K/yr - $105K/yrPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on addressing significant energy and environmental challenges. The Post Masters Research Associate will conduct fieldwork and laboratory research related to fish ecology and hydropower operations, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to analyze the impacts of these operations on aquatic life.
Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Conduct fieldwork, including data collection, data analysis, and technical report writing. Perform seasonal field studies that may require frequent regional travel
Support laboratory research involving live fish, including handling, husbandry in aquaculture systems, and conducting detailed necropsies
Perform comprehensive fish injury assessments on specimens exposed to turbine passage (simulated or actual) or other water infrastructure, following established necropsy protocols to document internal and external injuries accurately and ethically
Analyze high-resolution imagery to quantify injuries, supporting data collection and model development for AI-based Fish Assessment tools used to improve predictive analytics and mitigation strategies in aquatic environments
Work as part of a large, interdisciplinary team studying the effects of hydropower operations on the passage, survival, and injury of juvenile salmon and lamprey in the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other Pacific Northwest river systems
Assist with research activities including deployment, retrieval, maintenance, and testing of acoustic and radio telemetry equipment
Tag fish and/or assist with surgical implantation of transmitters
Transport and release live, tagged fish according to detailed project schedules and protocols
Qualification
Required
Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university
Strong written and presentation skills for diverse audiences
Understanding of energy and natural resource issues
Excellent organizational skills
Preferred
Masters in Biological Sciences, Environmental Biology, or a related field
Experience with fisheries monitoring, fish ecology, and the effects of hydropower operations on their passage
Prior fieldwork and laboratory experience with live fish
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Robust telehealth care options
Several mental health benefits
Free wellness coaching
Health savings account
Flexible spending accounts
Basic life insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Business travel insurance
Tuition assistance
Relocation
Backup childcare
Legal benefits
Supplemental parental bonding leave
Surrogacy and adoption assistance
Fertility support
Company-funded pension plan
401 (k) savings plan with company match
Up to 120 vacation hours per year
Ten paid holidays per year
Company
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates as a government research laboratory.
Founded in 1965
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2022-07-14Grant
2018-07-16Grant
Leadership Team
Allison Campbell
Associate Laboratory Director for Earth and Biological Sciences
Deborah Gracio
Laboratory Director
Recent News
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2026-01-11
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