Radiochemical Process Chemist

Requisition Id 12782 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a radiochemical process chemist for our world class radioisotope production program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, as well as extensive isotope production programs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and National Nuclear Safety Administration, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials and ensure the safe and effective execution of nuclear materials processing.

This position resides in the Process Coordination Group (PCG) within the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The highly accomplished staff within the RSTD use the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), to produce a variety of important medical, scientific, and industrial radioisotopes. These include several alpha emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; and Pu-238 for space exploration.The bulk of the work carried out by the PCG resides in the REDC, a category two nuclear facility, and is performed within heavily shielded processing hot cells.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working closely with radioisotope production and R&D staff to develop practical processing plans and sensible material movement logistics.
• Track the progress of radioisotope processing, including analytical sample results, tank levels, and nuclear material inventory.
• Interpret analytical measurements and perform calculations to determine the contents of material batches.
• Provide mass balances and analytical results to Material Balance Area Representatives (MBARs).
• Work to create a production and reliability focused environment, so that ORNL can be successful in meeting our mission to supply critical nuclear materials for science, medicine, and industry, that no one else can.
• Implement continuous improvement and ensure work is completed to the safety, security, and quality standards of a national laboratory.
• Maintain detailed records relating to nuclear materials processing.
• 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 BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar field and a minimum of 2 years of related experience is required.
• Experience with the execution of manufacturing scale chemical processing.
• Experience with the analysis of radiochemical data.
• Strong communication skills, including technical writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing material process flow sheets.
• Experience in working with nuclear material control and accountability.
• Experience translating research and development processes into reliable operations.
• Experience in maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality control and assurance.

Special Requirements:

Export control, clearance:

Successful candidates must be eligible for a L security clearance.

About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):
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.

Benefits at ORNL:

UT-Battelle offers a quality benefits package, including a matching 401(k), contributory pension plan, paid vacation, and medical/dental plan options.  Onsite amenities include a credit union, medical clinic, cafeteria, and fitness facilities.
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 .

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.