Radiochemist

Requisition Id 16424 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research and development staff scientist for our world class radiochemistry/radiochemical engineering program. You will support the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, as well as extensive isotope production programs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration. This position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials as part of both established and emerging radioisotope production programs, as well as advance development of novel separations, analytical techniques, and isotope applications.

 

This position resides within the Process Coordination Group of the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD). The highly accomplished staff within the RSTD use the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), to produce a variety of important medical, scientific, and industrial radioisotopes. These include several alpha/beta emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227, Ra-224/Pb-212, and W-188); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; Pu-238 for space exploration; and Ni-63 and Pm-147 for industrial applications.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct applied research and development activities with the aim to increase efficiency of production of current isotope products, enable new radioisotope availability, and develop news way of managing radioisotope production bi-products. This position primarily supports existing DOE Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production programs, while also including the opportunity to submit proposals for competitively funded research.
• Train to serve as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Cf-252 production program chemical processing flowsheet.
• Develop processing work plans for the separation, purification, and preparation of radioisotope products.
• Interact effectively with technical and operations staff to safely execute work within a highly regulated facility.
• Provide guidance to chemical processing operations carried out in hot cell facilities.
• Conduct hands-on radiochemical processing in a benchtop, fume hood, or glove box environment.
• Provide imaginative, thorough solutions to a wide range of complex, ambiguous, and/or difficult problems.
• Present results at conferences and publish results in peer reviewed journals and internal manuscripts.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

 

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field, and five years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated work experience with radiological and/or accountable nuclear materials, including appropriate radiological and nuclear material handling work controls.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills, as well as the ability to work within a rapidly-changing multidisciplinary environment
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following technical areas:
  • Metal extraction capabilities using liquid-liquid and solid-liquid separation systems
  • Solid state characterization of actinide materials
  • F-element chemistry
  • Automated chemistry separations
  • High Pressure Ion Chromatography
  • Radioactive gas trapping and recovery
    
    

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a wide range of analytical techniques.
• Experience with a wide range of chemical separations.
• Experience writing proposals and soliciting funding for research and development activities.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

 

About the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers.  Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

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.

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.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at https://jobs.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.

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.