Senior R&D Staff Nuclear Security Scientist – Chemistry

Overview

The Process and Material Characterization Group within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division seeks applications for a Senior R&D Staff Member, responsible for advancing the field of solid-state actinide research. The group specializes in the application of scientific principles and methods to support the characterization of nuclear fuel cycle process and materials. The group leads cutting edge research in the fields of actinide chemistry, materials science, and leverages extensive knowledge in fuel cycle processes, for the betterment of the nuclear nonproliferation mission space. Fulfillment of this position seeks to broaden the group’s expertise in the fields of uranium chemistry and to facilitate a more in depth understanding of solid-phase uranium materials and chemical transitions. 

Major duties/responsibilities

This position will entail leading the growth of our work in experimental uranium chemistry, with intention of advancing the scientific basis for nonproliferation materials characterization. The ideal candidate will be expected to bring expertise in both computational and analytical chemistry, as applied to solid-phase actinide systems. Furthermore, this role requires the candidate to leverage past experiences in fundamental chemistry to solve current and future threats to the nuclear nonproliferation mission space. A Senior R&D contributor is expected to draw on ORNL’s exceptional scientific resources to strengthen our national capabilities to analyze, assess, and interpret unique chemistries of the nuclear fuel cycle. 

Job description

The successful candidate will be required to advance our understanding of uranium systems associated with fuel cycle processes. In doing so, the position requires the ability to grow the breadth of research being executed within the group in the fields of experimental, computational, and operational materials analysis. Therefore, the candidate must have demonstrated prior experience succeeding in a dynamic team environment. The ideal candidate is expected to produce high-impact science delivered in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as conference and university engagements. Demonstrated excellent communication skills are required.

Qualifications

Basic requirements:

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, or related field.
• Six or more years’ experience in actinide chemistry.
• Demonstrated record of excellence, as evident by publication.
• Demonstrated experience in a variety of characterization techniques including vibrational spectroscopy, crystallography, and mass spectrometry.

Preferred qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and associated technologies.
• Experience in the fields of nuclear nonproliferation, counterproliferation, or intelligence as it pertains to nuclear fuel cycle.

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.

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

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If you have trouble applying for a position, please e-mail 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.