All PublicationsSpectroscopySpectroscopy SupplementsApplication NotebookE-Books
All ColumnsAtomic PerspectivesChemometrics in SpectroscopyFocus on QualityIR Spectral Interpretation WorkshopIcons of SpectroscopyLasers and Optics InterfaceMolecular Spectroscopy Workbench
All NewsInterviewsSpectroscopy Sponsored News
All Application NotesAtomic SpectroscopyGeneralMass SpectrometryMolecular Spectroscopy
Conference CoverageConference Listing
Webcasts
ProductsE-BooksEventsPeer ExchangeAnalytically Speaking PodcastSponsored PodcastsSpecTubeSponsored ContentSponsored VideosAsk the ExpertsContent Engagement HubsInteractive Tools
SubscribeDirectory
Analytical Instrumentation
Analytical Method Validation
Analytical Theory
Annual Salary Survey
Atomic Absorption
Atomic Spectroscopy
Biological, Medical, and Clinical Analysis
Biopharmaceuticals Biotechnology and Protein Analysis
Cannabis Analysis
Corporate Profiles
Data Analytics, Statistics, Chemometrics, and Artificial Intelligence
Dietary Supplements Analysis
Energy, Petroleum, and Bio Energy
Environmental Analysis
Far-IR/Terahertz Spectroscopy
Fluorescence
Food and Beverage Analysis
Forensics, Narcotics
GC-MS
Homeland Security
ICP-MS
ICP-OES
Imaging
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy
LC-MS
LIBS
Lasers and Laser-Source Technologies
Market Profiles
Mass Spectrometry
Molecular Spectroscopy
NMR
Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
Optics
Peer-reviewed Articles
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Plastics Polymers and Rubber
Portable and Handheld Spectroscopy
Process Control and Analysis
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QA/QC)
Quality by Design (QbD)
Raman Spectroscopy
Regulatory Standards/GLP/GMP Compliance
Sample Preparation
Spectroscopy Interviews
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
Technology Forum
Trends
Tutorials
UV-vis Spectroscopy
Vendor Tips & Tricks
Web of Science
X-ray Analysis
Spotlight -
  • Molecular Spectroscopy In and Out of the Lab
  • Sample Preparation for ICP Analysis
IS1
  • Applied Clinical Trials

  • BioPharm International

  • Cannabis Science and Technology

  • Chromatography Online

  • Nutritional Outlook

  • Pharmaceutical Commerce

  • Pharmaceutical Executive

  • Pharm Tech

  • Spectroscopy Online

  • Turbo Machinery Magazine

Analytical Instrumentation
Analytical Method Validation
Analytical Theory
Annual Salary Survey
Atomic Absorption
Atomic Spectroscopy
Biological, Medical, and Clinical Analysis
Biopharmaceuticals Biotechnology and Protein Analysis
Cannabis Analysis
Corporate Profiles
Data Analytics, Statistics, Chemometrics, and Artificial Intelligence
Dietary Supplements Analysis
Energy, Petroleum, and Bio Energy
Environmental Analysis
Far-IR/Terahertz Spectroscopy
Fluorescence
Food and Beverage Analysis
Forensics, Narcotics
GC-MS
Homeland Security
ICP-MS
ICP-OES
Imaging
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy
LC-MS
LIBS
Lasers and Laser-Source Technologies
Market Profiles
Mass Spectrometry
Molecular Spectroscopy
NMR
Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
Optics
Peer-reviewed Articles
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Plastics Polymers and Rubber
Portable and Handheld Spectroscopy
Process Control and Analysis
Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QA/QC)
Quality by Design (QbD)
Raman Spectroscopy
Regulatory Standards/GLP/GMP Compliance
Sample Preparation
Spectroscopy Interviews
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
Technology Forum
Trends
Tutorials
UV-vis Spectroscopy
Vendor Tips & Tricks
Web of Science
X-ray Analysis
IS1
  • Applied Clinical Trials

  • BioPharm International

  • Cannabis Science and Technology

  • Chromatography Online

  • Nutritional Outlook

  • Pharmaceutical Commerce

  • Pharmaceutical Executive

  • Pharm Tech

  • Spectroscopy Online

  • Turbo Machinery Magazine

    • Webcasts
    • Subscribe
    • Directory
Advertisement

Navigating a Career in National Laboratories

January 3, 2025
By Caroline Hroncich
News
Article
SpectroscopyNovember/December 2024
Volume 39
Issue 8
Pages: 46–47

Spectroscopy sat down with Benjamin Manard, senior R&D staff and group leader for chemical and isotopic mass spectrometry at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to discuss his career in the National Laboratory system, and his advice for scientists interested in following a similar path.

When did you first know that you wanted to pursue a career working in National Laboratories? How did you land your first job?

I first knew I wanted to work in a National Laboratory at the 2014 Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry in Amelia Island, Florida when I had watched Gary Van Berkel of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) give an eye-opening plenary lecture on all his works related to ambient surface sampling and ionization mass spectrometry. That lecture was sort of a culmination of ideas that had gone through my head considering I had just published a paper (1) with the R. Kenneth Marcus research group at Clemson University, in which we used a microplasma for direct ionization of solids, which was described in various fashions in Van Berkel’s presentation. It was probably one of the most fun projects I had completed at Clemson University, as we demonstrated that we could take solids and analyze their surface for chemical components (nicotine on a cigar, or caffeine in coffee beans, for example).

I had also just completed an eight-month visiting scientist position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California, where I got to work with renowned scientists, including Richard E. Russo, Jhanis J. Gonzalez, and Vassilia Zorba. It was during this time I was able to fully appreciate the science that can be achieved in the National Laboratory system.

Following Van Berkel’s presentation, I realized that working at a National Laboratory, at that time, specifically ORNL, and hopefully under Van Berkel, was a career that I wanted to pursue.

Now, fast forward from that plenary lecture, when I did not receive an offer to work at ORNL as a post-doctoral associate. Of course, I give Vilmos Kertesz, who worked with Van Berkel and who I now work with at ORNL, a hard time any opportunity I get. But I was offered a position to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) under Ning Xu, via my mentor and friend, Rick Russo. This position at LANL taught me so much in regard to being an analytical chemist, specifically with trace element analysis. A realization of measurement science including accuracy, precision,and uncertainty, was achieved. The mentorship of Ning Xu laid the foundation of my career in the National Laboratory system.

Have you had any mentors? How have they helped you grow your career?

For sure, I wouldn’t be in this position without them. It started at Georgia Southern University when Shannon Davis and Marion Welch gave me the opportunity as an undergraduate student to perform research and assist in maintaining the Analytical Chemistry and Instrument Analysis Laboratory. It’s here where I truly became infatuated with analytical chemistry and instrumentation. R. Kenneth Marcus, my PhD advisor at Clemson University, directed me into the field of analytical atomic spectrometry. He taught me how to approach scientific problems and to be a thinker. Additionally, he taught me how to be a communicator of science, whether that means a presentation, report, manuscript, or even a discussion with colleagues and friends at various conferences. Lastly, my National Laboratory, primarily consisting of Richard Russo (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), Ning Xu (LANL), and Cole Hexel (ORNL). These mentors really shaped my understanding of the National Laboratory structure and how to be a successful analytical chemist.

What considerations should scientists make when choosing a career path in National Laboratories versus academia or industry?

This is a great question. Obviously, when choosing a career path, there are many facets to be considered. I think the national laboratory system allows for engagement in research and development (R&D), teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists, and tackling challenging problems. To me, it’s kind of the best of all worlds. Other considerations include geographical location, since there are a handful of national laboratories.

What have you learned throughout your time working at LANL, ORNL, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory?

My tenure in the National Laboratory system has centered on the scientific team. Being an analytical chemist, much of my research provides high-fidelity trace element and isotopic measurements. But, of course, there are many other analytical considerations, including chemical, molecular, and morphological, to consider when tackling challenging problems. This mindset truly shows the power of working in a National Laboratory, and being able to congregate scientists with various backgrounds to tackle such problems. I have also learned how vital it is to help train the next-generation analytical scientist. We are lucky in the sense that we can collaborate with academia. These collaborations allow for engagements with students of all levels.

What skills (hard skills and soft skills) do you think are important for young scientists to develop when pursuing a career in spectroscopy?

Laboratory, benchtop, and instrumentation skills are always necessary to be a great analytical scientist. Attention to detail, precision, accuracy, and note keeping in the laboratory lends itself to produce high-fidelity measurements. Also, and possibly more importantly, have an understanding of how the measurement works. Understanding these fundamental processes will allow for a better design of analytical sessions, including appropriate quality control samples and blanks.

What advice do you have for scientists who are interested in getting a job at a National Laboratory?

Reach out to National Laboratory scientists. Start the engagement early. If you see a line of research you are interested in, then reach out to the respective individuals. Conferences are also a great place to connect and have discussions regarding the positions. At the previous SciX Conference (Raleigh, North Carolina), I had many fruitful engagements with students describing the work which can be done in a National Laboratory setting. These connections are important, especially when opportunities arise for student, post-doctoral, or staff positions that may become available.

References

(1) Marcus, R. K.; Burdette, C. Q.; Manard, B. T.; Zhang, L. X. Ambient Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using a Liquid Sampling–Atmospheric Glow Discharge (LS-APGD) Ionization Source. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2013, 405 (25), 8171–8184. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7216-3

About the Interviewee

Benjamin T. Manard is a Senior R&D Staff Scientist and the Group Leader of the Chemical & Isotopic Mass Spectrometry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He received a B.S. in Chemistry from Georgia Southern University (2009) and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Clemson University (2014) under Professor R. Kenneth Marcus. After graduation, Ben was awarded a Glenn T. Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) before transitioning into a Staff Scientist position. In 2018, Ben began working at ORNL within the Chemical and Isotopic Mass Spectrometry Group and has led efforts directed toward developing analytical methodologies in elemental and isotopic analysis by utilizing unique sampling mechanisms (such as laser ablation, single particle, and microextraction) coupled with inductively could plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) to tackle challenging problems related to national security, advanced energy generation, biosciences, and environmental applications.

Manard has authored over 60 journal articles, been featured on 9 journal covers, authored 1 book chapter, and has received recognitions including The Department of Energy Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award (2022), The Analytical Scientist’s Top 40 Under 40 Power List (2022), and the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy Emerging Investigator award (2023). Additionally, he is on the Governing Board for The Society for Applied Spectroscopy and Editorial Board of Applied Spectroscopy Practica. ●

Benjamin T. Manard is a Senior R&D Staff Scientist and the Group Leader of the Chemical & Isotopic Mass Spectrometry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He received a B.S. in Chemistry from Georgia Southern University (2009) and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Clemson University (2014) under Professor R. Kenneth Marcus. After graduation, Ben was awarded a Glenn T. Seaborg Postdoctoral Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) before transitioning into a Staff Scientist position. In 2018, Ben began working at ORNL within the Chemical and Isotopic Mass Spectrometry Group and has led efforts directed toward developing analytical methodologies in elemental and isotopic analysis by utilizing unique sampling mechanisms (such as laser ablation, single particle, and microextraction) coupled with inductively could plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) to tackle challenging problems related to national security, advanced energy generation, biosciences, and environmental applications.

Manard has authored over 60 journal articles, been featured on 9 journal covers, authored 1 book chapter, and has received recognitions including The Department of Energy Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award (2022), The Analytical Scientist’s Top 40 Under 40 Power List (2022), and the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy Emerging Investigator award (2023). Additionally, he is on the Governing Board for The Society for Applied Spectroscopy and Editorial Board of Applied Spectroscopy Practica. ●

Download Issue PDF
Articles in this issue

Mass Spectrometer. Generated by AI. | Image Credit: © sharafmaksumov - stock.adobe.com.
Do We Qualify or Validate a Spectrometer?
Silhouetted business meeting at sunset in a modern office setting. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Tonton54 - stock.adobe.com.
Guided by Mentorship: Spectroscopy Experts Reflect on Career-Defining Mentorship Moments
Navigating a Career in National Laboratories
Navigating a Career in National Laboratories
Stunning abstract visualization of dynamic atoms and molecules for scientific research and technology concepts. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © pranee - stock.adobe.com.
The Big Review III: Molecular Vibration Theory
Silhouetted business meeting at sunset in a modern office setting. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Tonton54 - stock.adobe.com.
Finding Education, Mentorship, and Success in Your Spectroscopy Career
Green Circuit Board with Glowing Lights. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Starkreal - stock.adobe.com.
Raman Microscopy for Characterizing Defects in SiC
Abstract background of atoms. Chemical reactions of atoms from different concepts. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © CatNap Studio - stock.adobe.com.
Accurate and Precise Quantification of Arsenic and Selenium in Water and Biological Samples Through the Removal of Doubly Charged Rare Earth Element Interferences by ICP-MS
Vol 39 No 8 Spectroscopy November/December 2024 Europe PDF
Vol 39 No 8 Spectroscopy November/December 2024 Europe PDF
Vol 39 No 8 Spectroscopy November/December 2024 North America PDF
Vol 39 No 8 Spectroscopy November/December 2024 North America PDF
Mixed flock of ducks flying over wetlands | Image Credit: © MikeFusaro - stock.adobe.com
The Role of Imaging in Preserving Wetlands
Raw fish fillet of tilapia on a cutting Board with lemon and spices. Dark table with copy space. | Image Credit: © Elenglush - stock.adobe.com
Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Convolutional Neural Network for Rapid and Accurate Evaluation of Tilapia Fillet Freshness

Newsletter

Get essential updates on the latest spectroscopy technologies, regulatory standards, and best practices—subscribe today to Spectroscopy.

Subscribe Now!
Recent Videos
Robert Ewing of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. | Photo Credit: Will Wetzel
Related Content

Wooden spoons with sugar, sweetener on blue background. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Vadym - stock.adobe.com.

Rapid Sweetener Detection Achieved Through Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

Will Wetzel
July 10th 2025
Article

Researchers at Heilongjiang University have developed a rapid and accurate method for detecting sweeteners in food using Raman spectroscopy combined with a Random Forest machine learning algorithm, offering a powerful tool for improving food safety.


Ep. 37: On the Subject of Flow Imaging Microscopy in Collaboration with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

Ep. 37: On the Subject of Flow Imaging Microscopy in Collaboration with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

June 2nd 2025
Podcast

Chocolate Indulgence on Rustic Wood. Generated by AI. | Image Credit: © OpenAI - ChatGPT.com

Infrared Spectroscopy with Kohonen Networks and Multivariate Analysis for Cocoa Content Prediction

Will Wetzel
July 9th 2025
Article

Researchers from institutions in Brazil harness near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning to determine cocoa content with precision.


Ep. 36: A Day in the Life of a NIST Scientist

Ep. 36: A Day in the Life of a NIST Scientist

May 14th 2025
Podcast

Border Patrol Agents With Confiscated Drugs. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Gayan - stock.adobe.com

PNNL and BaySpec Launch Compact Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Narcotics Detection

Will Wetzel
July 8th 2025
Article

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) VaporID, which is a newly developed portable air sampling system incorporating a miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS), can detect trace levels of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even explosives like TNT with great accuracy.


Drone with spectroscopy reveals hidden threats to soybean crops in China  © Та -chronicles-stock.adobe.com

How Spectroscopy Drones Are Detecting Hidden Crop Threats in China’s Soybean Fields

Jerome Workman, Jr.
July 8th 2025
Article

Researchers in Northeast China have demonstrated a new approach using drone-mounted multispectral imaging to monitor and predict soybean bacterial blight disease, offering a promising tool for early detection and yield protection.

Related Content

Wooden spoons with sugar, sweetener on blue background. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Vadym - stock.adobe.com.

Rapid Sweetener Detection Achieved Through Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

Will Wetzel
July 10th 2025
Article

Researchers at Heilongjiang University have developed a rapid and accurate method for detecting sweeteners in food using Raman spectroscopy combined with a Random Forest machine learning algorithm, offering a powerful tool for improving food safety.


Ep. 37: On the Subject of Flow Imaging Microscopy in Collaboration with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

Ep. 37: On the Subject of Flow Imaging Microscopy in Collaboration with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

June 2nd 2025
Podcast

Chocolate Indulgence on Rustic Wood. Generated by AI. | Image Credit: © OpenAI - ChatGPT.com

Infrared Spectroscopy with Kohonen Networks and Multivariate Analysis for Cocoa Content Prediction

Will Wetzel
July 9th 2025
Article

Researchers from institutions in Brazil harness near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning to determine cocoa content with precision.


Ep. 36: A Day in the Life of a NIST Scientist

Ep. 36: A Day in the Life of a NIST Scientist

May 14th 2025
Podcast

Border Patrol Agents With Confiscated Drugs. Generated with AI. | Image Credit: © Gayan - stock.adobe.com

PNNL and BaySpec Launch Compact Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Narcotics Detection

Will Wetzel
July 8th 2025
Article

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) VaporID, which is a newly developed portable air sampling system incorporating a miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS), can detect trace levels of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even explosives like TNT with great accuracy.


Drone with spectroscopy reveals hidden threats to soybean crops in China  © Та -chronicles-stock.adobe.com

How Spectroscopy Drones Are Detecting Hidden Crop Threats in China’s Soybean Fields

Jerome Workman, Jr.
July 8th 2025
Article

Researchers in Northeast China have demonstrated a new approach using drone-mounted multispectral imaging to monitor and predict soybean bacterial blight disease, offering a promising tool for early detection and yield protection.

About
Advertise
Author Guidelines
Contact Us
Editorial Advisory Board
Ethics Statement
Do Not Sell My Personal Info
Permissions
Privacy Policy
Subscriptions
Terms and Conditions
Contact Info

2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512

609-716-7777

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.