Requisition Id 9959

Overview:

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NND performs research and development to detect, characterize, and monitor nuclear fuel cycle activities and nuclear explosions; develops concepts, approaches, and technologies to strengthen global security for nuclear and radiological material; and engages with federal agencies to enhance international nonproliferation regimes. The Material Security and Counterproliferation (MSC) group within the NND at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applications for an Associate R&D Staff Member who will focus on the science and technology of nuclear chemical engineering with specific focus on applications to the nuclear fuel cycle with a focus on UF6. Familiarity with the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials processing, nuclear materials handling, and nuclear materials characterization are essential skills for this position.

The applicant will be expected to lead activities focused on the identification, assessment, analysis, and experimental testing of chemical processes with both surrogate materials and actual nuclear materials. This work will be performed as part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on the development, testing, and characterization of materials for national security purposes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform research in areas related to modeling and assessing chemical processes related to the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Execute experiments with surrogate materials and nuclear materials.

• Efforts will focus on uranium chemistry, particularly chemical conversion and separations processes pertaining to the production of engineered forms of uranium and uranium compounds used across the uranium fuel cycle.
• As part of design tasking, the successful candidate will be responsible for preparation of design documents (equipment drawings and specifications) for tracking execution schedules and costs, and for estimation of component procurement, installation, and operation costs.
• Tasks will include selection and configuration of appropriate equipment, preparation of experiment and operating procedures, and preparation of training modules.
• The successful candidate will be required to effectively interact with various personnel and sponsors, both within and outside of ORNL
• Collaborate with researchers inside and outside ORNL to advance the technical and scientific missions of the group, laboratory, and sponsor.
• Interact regularly with senior scientists, program managers, group members, and prepare and present periodic reports documenting research and development activities.
• Publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, consistent with programmatic and legal restrictions regarding operational security and export control.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Work with, direct, and mentor postdocs, technicians, and students.

Qualifications Required:

• A PhD degree in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field with demonstrated experience in nuclear material processing.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and contribute to a collaborative team of researchers.
• The ability to work in chemical laboratory and processing environments with a high level of attention to detail and adherence to safe work practices that such activities demand.
• Operational familiarity with uranium processing equipment at pilot or production scales.
• The ability to conceive chemical process flowsheets and identify knowledge gaps within the fuel cycle as a whole.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills

Special Requirement:

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.

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.