Job Description

Requisition Id 14790 

Overview:

We are seeking a Nuclear Security Scientist who will focus on actinide material synthesis and characterization. This position resides in the Materials and Chemistry Group in the Materials Characterization and Modeling Section, Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, National Security Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Expertise with non-standard uranium oxide synthesis methods, including solution combustion synthesis and mechanochemistry, is desired. Experience with radiological lab spaces, knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, and safe handling of actinides (including transuranics) is required. Demonstrated knowledge of lab-scale material analysis tools, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, optical vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infrared), and related tools, as well as an ability to translate observations to useful R&D output (reports and publications) is required.

The MCG performs fundamental materials research regarding the interaction of nuclear fuel cycle materials with themselves, each other, and the environment via synthesis, characterization, and analysis. Our primary goal is to provide actionable R&D to ongoing national nuclear nonproliferation and forensics missions. In this position, the successful candidate will apply their skillset to the study of nuclear materials and their chemical and physical properties. The candidate will be expected to perform, prepare, and present scientific research to the professional and sponsor communities, as well as participate in proposal development. The candidate will interface with the National Nuclear Security Administration’s ongoing nonproliferation mission, and leverage ORNL’s world-class neutron scattering capabilities via the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. The candidate will be expected to operate in a multidisciplinary environment and work collaboratively with subject matter experts in computational modeling, condensed matter physics, and nuclear fuel cycle engineering. The candidate is expected to have excellent written presentation skills, demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental effort to understand environmental degradation products of nuclear fuel cycle compounds.
• Develop into, and act as, subject matter expert in uranium chemistry for nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear forensics applications.
• Leverage alternative approaches to oxide synthesis, including combustion synthesis and mechanochemistry, to explore effects of out-of-equilibrium material formation conditions.
• Utilize bench scale characterization tools including powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, optical vibrational (Raman and infrared) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Collaboratively interface with subject matter experts in electronic structure modeling, condensed matter physics, and nuclear engineering to perform fundamental and applied materials R&D.
• Regularly report progress and results to collaborators, sponsors, and the broader scientific community via peer-reviewed technical articles, conference presentations, and technical reports. 
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Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, geosciences, or a related discipline.
• At least two years of experience with inorganic material characterization (typically, a completed postdoc).
• Familiarity with non-standard material synthesis methods.
• Demonstrated expertise in operating and utilizing material characterization instrumentation.
• A demonstrated record of productive research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear forensics, or nuclear nonproliferation spaces.
• Actinide (including transuranic) material handling experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with non-standard material synthesis methods.
• Familiarity with Office of Science User Facilities and capabilities at ORNL and elsewhere.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Letters of Recommendation: 3 number of references are required

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov (For postdocs, use Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov ) 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

Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL

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: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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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.

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