Mass Spectrometry Chemist- Associate Staff Member

Requisition Id 14581 

 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking an Associate Staff Member who will be involved in the performance of a full range of mass spectrometry methods and analyses on radiological samples. This position will support a variety of ORNL projects and programs including its environmental stewardship programs, research for the nuclear fuel cycles, and chemical operations associated with the production and purification of radioisotopes. This position resides in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section’s Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).   

 

This role involves preparing and analyzing samples to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, developing and optimizing analytical methods for trace element and isotope ratio analysis, and maintaining ICP-MS instruments for peak performance. The successful candidate will interpret and report analytical data, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and follow strict safety and radiological protocols when handling radioactive materials. Additional responsibilities include troubleshooting instrument performance, documenting experimental procedures, and ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines such as those set by the ISO 17025:2017, FDA, NRC, and/or customers. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of nuclear and radiopharmaceutical research while contributing to advancements in analytical chemistry and quality control.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Independently perform laboratory tests as needed to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures.
• Independently perform detailed analytical operations in C-zoned laboratories and radiochemical hoods and gloveboxes.
• Obtain and maintain all ORNL training requirements for a radiation worker performing analytical work in radiological facilities to include being qualified as a respirator wearer.
• Utilize Windows based personal computers, instrumentation operation, data reporting, analytical calculations, and sample management.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Lead by example according to ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL’s ESH&Q policies, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct laboratory tests to develop, modify, and refine operational and experimental procedures.

• 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:

• A BS degree in chemistry, biology, physics or closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of analytical laboratory experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Maintain effective communication about scientific efforts both internally and externally, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with staff to address novel and complex technical issues.
• An understanding of mass spectrometry principles, method development, and data interpretation.
• Experience in use and troubleshooting of mass spectrometers.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is a