Irradiated Materials Testing Laboratory Coordinator - Associate Staff Member

Requisition Id 12902 

Level: TP02

Overview:  

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is currently in search of a dedicated technical professional to serve as a laboratory coordinator for its Low-Activation Materials Development & Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory, while also undertaking various experiments on irradiated materials. This position is located within our Materials in Extremes (MiE) Section, which operates under the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) at ORNL.

As the Technical Professional you will assume primary responsibility for coordinating experimental tasks pertaining to nuclear materials research programs, while concurrently overseeing the maintenance of the LAMDA facility to ensure safe and hygienic working conditions. Additionally, you will be tasked with conducting specialized mechanical testing assignments as directed by program/project managers. The LAMDA facility is equipped with a comprehensive suite of characterization equipment utilized for post-irradiation examination of both metallic and ceramic materials across various prescribed conditions. Collaboration with ORNL scientists and research support staff will be essential to effectively plan and execute a diverse range of testing and characterization tasks for radioactive materials. Moreover, you will be accountable for numerous operational aspects within a radiological area dedicated to working with radioactive materials daily. Given the collaborative nature of irradiated materials testing within the LAMDA laboratory, coordination with other radiological facilities, including the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET), will be also necessary for seamless workflow integration.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate task schedules, allocate resources, and facilitate communication among laboratory members, radiation control, facility personnel, and principal investigators.

• Oversee daily operations, ensure compliance with safety regulations, manage radioactive materials inventory, and sample flow, and maintain records and documentation.

• Train and supervise laboratory staff, troubleshoot technical issues, resolve equipment malfunctions, and collaborate with project leaders and researchers to plan and execute experiments, ensuring quality control checks.

• Design and conduct hands-on testing and examination tasks in radiological materials laboratories, including mechanical testing, optical microscopy, specimen polishing and inspection, and thermal properties testing.

• Acquire and process test data as described in manuals or work proposals and provide processed information and data to project or program managers.

• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, irradiated material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety, aligning behaviors with ORNL's core values.

• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace culture and encouraging collaboration and respect among team members

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors in materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience in research; or a Master’s degree in the same discipline(s), with a minimum of 1 year of experience in research

• Experience with laboratory facility management, coordinating resource allocation, workflow optimization, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety protocols

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of experience in radioactive or hazardous materials handling and/or equivalent training.

• Minimum three years of experimental work experience with hardware equipment and data handling skills.

• Experience in operating material testing and examination equipment, such as mechanical testing systems, optical and scanning electron microscopes.

• Demonstrated track record and proficiency in meticulous manual work, including careful and detailed attention to tasks.

• Previous experience in a radiological/nuclear facility, showcasing familiarity with relevant safety protocols and procedures.

• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective team building and collaboration both within and outside ORNL, alongside the ability to work independently and adapt to dynamic research environments.

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] or call 1.866.963.9545.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.