R&D Associate - Stable Isotope Processing Chemist

Requisition Id15418

Overview:

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist who will focus on chemical operations associated with the post-enrichment recovery and chemical conversion of stable isotopes spanning across the periodic table. As stewards of the Nation's Repository of Stable Isotopes, we innovate techniques to minimize losses and maximize yields while transforming these precious isotopically enriched materials. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including conducting basic scientific research, curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring national security.

This position resides in Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED supports the nation by conducting research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technologies. SIMC supports pre-enrichment preparations of feedstocks and post-enrichment processing and fabrication of custom physical forms needed to support the user communities. You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on challenging, milestone driven technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE mission areas. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Success requires acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, and execute methods to recover, purify, chemically convert, and characterize isotopic materials from enrichment devices, at near zero loss.
• Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product.
• Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques.
• Support customer requests by converting isotopic material into the preferred chemical form.
• Develop reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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:

• PhD degree or a comparable combination of education and experience in chemistry or a closely related technical discipline.
• Physical dexterity to handle small quantities of exotic and expensive materials.
• Experience in chemical synthesis and conversion.
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work.
• Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses.
• Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on research activities.
• Represent the organization and sponsors via technical presentations in workshops and conferences.
• Ability to function safely in a research environment with a diverse scope of work and hazards.
• Proven ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation.
• Ability to solve basic research problems.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with chromatographic separations.
• Experience with mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy.
• Experience with automated chemical reaction system.
• Experience leading small to medium sized R&D projects.

Special Requirements:

• Physical Requirements:Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Q clearance: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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing 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.

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.

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.