R&D Associate - Radioactive Materials Processing and Characterization

Requisition Id 13004 

Level: RP02

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will support the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD), Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the areas of isotope production and data science. Specifically, this role involves the implementation various solid state analytical approaches and data analysis techniques to provide actionable information in support of a number of radioisotope production programs here at ORNL.

Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers.  Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

The IARG is involved in advancing radioisotope applications for medical, industrial, research and national security applications. RSTD is a global leader in actinide science, delivering innovations in isotope production technology, enabling ORNL to produce and rapidly deliver radioisotopes for science, medicine, industry, and security. The IARG works closely with other groups within the RSTD as well as researchers in other directorates across ORNL to deliver on our R&D mission. This position within the IARG will support ongoing R&D efforts related to improving the fundamental understanding and quality of a number of the isotopes produced at ONRL, as well as data science techniques for radioisotope production. The successful candidate will support the solid-state characterization of various production line materials using, but not limited to,  Powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), and Single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, and the use of classification models, transition of data science tools into routine implementation during isotope production activities and disseminating results for reports/peer reviewed publications. The candidate may also support other synergistic efforts across the lab as the opportunity arises. The successful candidate will work with experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians to support R&D efforts in these areas with a focus on exploring opportunities to leverage fundamental understanding of the solid-state analytical techniques for isotope production.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop experimental approaches for solid-state analysis of radioactive materials for isotope production activities and fundamental R&D to advance the fields of medical and industrial isotope production and actinide science.
• Implement experimental approaches, perform complex measurements to produce data, execute the necessary analysis, and interpret experimental results.
• Participate in project planning and execution.
• Publish innovations, findings and reports in relevant conferences, journals and symposia.
• Participate in project reviews, including presenting to internal and external technical review committees.
• Ensure compliance with Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical, Environmental or Nuclear Engineering, or a related field with an emphasis in Analytical Chemistry or Actinide Chemistry.
• At least 2 years’ experience in the fields of isotope production and solid-state actinide science.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with handling nuclear materials in both radiochemical fume hoods and radiochemical glove boxes.
• Previous experience in solid state analytical methods, including Powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), and single crystal X-ray diffraction (scXRD).
• Experience in experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation through peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with training, teaching, and/or mentoring.
• Experience with multiphysics model development (e.g., COMSOL).
• Experience with data analytics (e.g., Python), specifically handling complex data sets to understand observed phenomena.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at https://jobs.ornl.gov .

Promoted:  #LI-DC1

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.