Job Description

Requisition Id 14721 

Level: RP02

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­­Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) is seeking an experienced radiochemist to focus on research and development of radiochemical methods and analyses on samples which contain radiological constituents in a variety of sample matricies from environmental levels to high levels of radioactivity. This position will support a variety of ORNL projects and programs including but not limited to safeguards, nonproliferation, medical isotopes, environmental compliance and various nuclear programs. The position requires conducting new research of novel methods, exploring hybrid analyses methodologies, novel chemical separations, and/or new sample detection methods to support cutting edge material assay. The position resides in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section, Chemicals Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL. The (RMAL) group works on the cutting edge of analytical measurements for nuclear and environmental radiochemical signatures. The successful candidate will interpret and report analytical data, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and follow strict safety and radiological protocols when handling radioactive materials. Additional responsibilities include troubleshooting instrument performance, documenting experimental procedures, and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines such as those set by ISO 17025:2017, FDA, NRC, and/or customers. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of nuclear and radiopharmaceutical research while contributing to advancements in analytical chemistry and quality control.

Major Duties/ Responsibilities:  

• Research novel sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Independently operate RMAL’s radioanalytical suite of instruments.
• Lead and/or participate in collaboration with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Lead/contribute to the initiation of new research directions and formulating research proposals aimed at securing internal and external funding opportunities.
• Foster effective science communication both inside and outside the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemistry, radiochemistry, cosmochemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience with radiochemistry.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation operations and troubleshooting.

• 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 on time and adapt to evolving needs.
• Experience working in ISO17025 accredited laboratory setting.
• Experience performing data analyses and review under standard operating procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Experience translating R&D activities to analytical protocols.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, uncertainty terms and quality objectives.

• Expertise in knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of high-purity germanium gamma detectors and associated software. Knowledge of Canberra’s Apex Gamma and Genie 2000 software is preferred.
• Expertise in knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of low background proportional counters (both gas-flow and solid-state) and associated software. Knowledge of Canberra’s Apex Alpha/Beta software is preferred.
• Expertise in knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of liquid scintillation detectors and associated software. Knowledge of Perkin Elmer’s Quantasmart software is preferred.
• Expertise in knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of alpha spectrometry detectors and associated software. Knowledge of ORTECS’s AlphaVision software is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with modern sample preparation methods used in isotopic and elemental characterizations with emphases on nuclear materials and experience in the chemistry and separations of lanthanide and actinides.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in C-zone laboratories and use of glove boxes and radiochemical hood enclosures as well as experience in the safety practices associated with handling radioactive materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and working effectively as a team member.
• Ability to respond quickly to diverse and shifting demands with sudden deadlines on tight schedules.

Special Requirements:

• Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

• • Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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.

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

About ORNL

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 7,000 people! Our vision is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster ideas 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.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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].

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.

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