Group Lead, Radioactive Materials Analytical Lab

Requisition Id 14521 

 

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced radio or analytical chemist to lead the Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) group within the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section of the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) in the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This role focuses on developing and analyzing radiological and inorganic constituents across various matrices and programs, including bulk nuclear materials, environmental compliance, safeguards, nonproliferation efforts, isotope development and other process applications.

 

As the R&D Group Leader, you will oversee a highly skilled team with the primary goal of achieving global scientific leadership in analytical sciences. Your responsibilities will include maintaining current programs, establishing relationships through collaborations, writing proposals, and developing new research areas to strengthen capabilities. You will lead an organization with a strong service component and will be expected to build research and development initiatives to create novel methods, innovative measurement devices, and advanced methodologies for gamma spectroscopy, alpha spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and radiochemistry to address complex analytical challenges.

 

In this role, you will also support a variety of ORNL projects and programs, including environmental stewardship initiatives, nuclear fuel cycle research, and chemical operations related to the production and purification of radioisotopes. You will lead projects aimed at developing instruments and measurement methodologies to address risks and deficiencies. Your work will be pivotal in advancing the group’s capabilities in the analysis of actinide series elements, enhancing nuclear material characterization, and contributing to critical evaluations of nuclear material protection, proliferation risk mitigation, and medical isotope production.

 

Additionally, you will champion ORNL’s culture of safety and scientific excellence, foster staff development, and scale up their impact on projects. Working closely with the section head and other group leaders, you will implement the group’s scientific vision, improve quality systems to maintain ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, and continually enhance the group’s radiological programs and capabilities. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in material handling, isotopic/assay analysis, gamma spectroscopy, and familiar with inorganic mass spectrometry and radiological material protocols.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing projects and position the group for future success.
• Participate in or lead the initiation of new directions for and development of research proposals to secure internal and external funding.
• Lead collaborations with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Attract and hire high-quality candidates committed to world-class R&D and aspiring to be leaders in their field.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals aligned with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals and provide timely feedback on performance issues.
• Oversee the technical quality of the group’s products and services.
• Provide input to support with staff development and offer direct, impactful mentorship regularly.
• 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.
• Enhance the group's reputation and standing through collaboration, Professional Society leadership, and organizing technical events.
• Maintain effective communication about scientific efforts both internally and externally, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Travel as required to brief sponsors, conduct