Distinguished R&D Staff - Fusion Blankets Lead

Requisition Id 16300 

Overview:
We are seeking a Fusion Blankets Lead to provide strategic and technical leadership for research and development (R&D) in fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This position will play a central role in shaping and executing ORNL’s vision for fusion nuclear science and engineering, with emphasis on tritium breeding, fuel cycle closure, and power extraction systems for future fusion energy devices.

The Fusion Blankets Lead will report to the Fusion Energy Division Director and work across ORNL’s Fusion Energy Division (FED), Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), and other directorates to develop and integrate a coordinated, lab-wide strategy. This role will also interface closely with DOE, international partners, and the private fusion sector.

A key responsibility will be defining and advancing the technical basis and programmatic strategy for fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies, including the realization of next-generation technology test facilities identified in the DOE Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap.

 

Purpose:

• Provide scientific and programmatic leadership to:
  • Establish ORNL as a global leader in fusion blanket and fuel cycle R&D
  • Develop a compelling, integrated strategy aligned with DOE priorities
  • Advance the technical readiness of blanket and tritium fuel cycle systems toward fusion pilot plants and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) deployments

This role emphasizes vision, technical direction, and program development.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy and Program Development:

• Define and lead ORNL’s strategy for fusion blanket and fuel cycle R&D, aligned with the DOE Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap
• Develop the technical and programmatic basis for integrated blanket and fuel cycle test facilities, including fusion-relevant neutron environments and tritium processing systems
• Identify critical science and technology gaps and develop plans to close them through coordinated R&D programs
• Work with DOE leadership to articulate priorities and motivate future investments in fusion nuclear science and engineering
• Work with Division and Directorate leadership to assess staffing needs to build the program.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide scientific leadership in areas including:
  • Tritium breeding and extraction
  • Blanket materials and structural performance
  • Fuel cycle integration and tritium accountancy
  • Power extraction and thermal systems
• Integrate expertise across plasma physics, materials science, nuclear engineering, and systems modeling to develop cohesive solutions
• Leverage ORNL capabilities including neutron irradiation (e.g., HFIR), advanced manufacturing, and computational modeling 

Facility and Infrastructure Development:

• Lead development of concepts and technical justification for fusion-relevant blanket and fuel cycle test facilities
• Coordinate cross-laboratory and public–private partnerships to enable facility realization
• Contribute to national efforts to define and prioritize fusion nuclear infrastructure 

Collaboration and External Engagement:

• Build and lead collaborations with:
  • DOE laboratories and universities
  • International fusion programs
  • Private fusion companies
• Represent ORNL in national and international forums on fusion nuclear science and technology 
• Contribute to initiatives such as Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives and other partnership programs

 
Research and Scientific Contribution:

• Maintain an active, high-impact research program
• Lead and contribute to proposals in fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at major conferences 

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure all work adheres to Envir