Scientific Associate

Requisition Id 12247 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Scientific Associate who will focus on operational support of the neutron scattering program at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), providing direction to scientific staff, visiting researchers (users), technical support groups and craft, and serving as the space manager. You will also serve as the primary operations contact for one or more neutron scattering instruments, performing work related to instrument operations, maintenance, reliability, upgrades, and experiment planning, preparation, and execution. This involves instrument operation, calibration, and data acquisition, responding to emergent situations (occasionally after normal business hours or on weekends) and providing technical guidance and expertise about the neutron instrument itself.

 

This position resides in the HFIR Science Support Group in the HFIR Beamline Operations Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).    

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Analyze and develop solutions for successful integration and execution of novel experiments and equipment with the instrument.
• Lead craft and technical staff in repair, maintenance, and upgrade activities associated with the instrument and related equipment.
• Work with safety personnel to evaluate and review hazards associated with experiments and other work in instrument areas and generate and enforce appropriate work control and documentation as necessary.
• Contribute as an instrument team member to upgrade design team efforts.
• Provide guidance for day-to-day instrument and facility work and upgrade activities which may include managing project schedules, scope, and coordination of resources.
• Support all phases of the experiment process: scheduling experiments, ensuring proposals have required science/safety/equipment approvals, completing documentation needed, and training users on the safe operation of the instrument.
• Safe and secure management of user-supplied, potentially hazardous, samples and equipment through the lifetime of a user experiment.
• Test and prepare instrument for each operating cycle and maintenance period.
• Develop and maintain instrument documentation along with maintaining inventory of instrument consumables and critical spares.
• Opportunities to learn and become involved with mechanical stress and strain testing, integration and operation of remote manipulation and handling systems i.e., robot arms!
• This role may include limited travel opportunities.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, technology, or related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Digital literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting, diagnosing, and debugging technical equipment and systems.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Ability to work with autonomy, respond to emergency situations, and apply good judgment.
• Direct experience working with neutron scattering instruments, related equipment, and software, particularly at HFIR or SNS.
• Experience planning, integrating, and supporting novel technical equipment setups.
• Experience working within a DOE-regulated environment.
• Experience creating, reading, and interpreting mechanical design drawings.
• Experience with computer-aided design software such as SolidWorks or Creo.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.

 

Special Requirements:

Periods of moderate overtime will be required. Must be willing to work outside the normal work schedule, including occasional weekends, with little or no notice.

 

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