Senior Nonproliferation Data Scientist

Requisition Id 16119 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Senior Nonproliferation Data Scientist to join the Data Science and Engineering for Nonproliferation Group in the National Security Sciences Directorate. In this role, you will lead the development and application of physics-informed data science and machine learning approaches to support nuclear nonproliferation missions.

The successful candidate will serve as a senior researcher and technical leader, managing complex research efforts, developing new research initiatives, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful science and technology solutions for national security sponsors.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute complex R&D efforts applying data science, machine learning, and statistical methods to nuclear nonproliferation challenges including nuclear material detection, characterization, and nuclear fuel cycle analysis.
• Plan and manage research projects, providing technical leadership and ensuring high-quality delivery of sponsor-funded research.
• Develop new research proposals, white papers, and program development activities, engaging sponsors and collaborators across government, academia, and national laboratories.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and technical staff, contributing to the growth of the research team.
• Disseminate research outcomes through technical reports, publications, presentations, and engagement with the scientific community.
• Serve as a technical point of contact with internal and external collaborators and represent ORNL in relevant professional forums.
• Ensure all work is performed safely and securely and complies with ORNL policies and procedures.
• Collaborate across ORNL to leverage laboratory capabilities and advance mission outcomes.

All team members deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. We foster a respectful, team-focused environment where all individuals can contribute and succeed.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in data science, mathematics, physics, or engineering with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or MS in these areas with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and leading data science or machine learning research in scientific or national security applications.
• Experience leading or contributing to complex research projects and delivering results to sponsors or stakeholders.
• Experience presenting scientific results to technical and sponsor communities.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in machine learning, AI, statistical modeling, or physics-informed data science methods.
• Knowledge of nuclear nonproliferation mission areas, including safeguards, facility monitoring, arms control, or nuclear fuel cycle analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in research proposal development and sponsor engagement.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers or leading multidisciplinary research teams.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar.
• Experience working with DOE National Laboratories, federal sponsors, or comparable R&D organizations.

 

Special Requirements:

•  Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to d