R&D Associate Staff Member - Molten Salt Technologies

Requisition Id 15576 

 

Overview:

The NEEM Group focuses on pushing the limitations of materials, sensors, and experiments through technology development, advanced instrumentation, irradiation experiments, and rapid design/fabrication. NEEM has expertise in neutronics modeling, reactor physics, embedded systems, optical fiber sensing, signal processing and uncertainty quantification. Members of the NEEM Group have developed testbeds, custom sensors and instrumentation, and performed harsh-environment measurements to support nuclear thermal propulsion, fission surface power, molten salt reactor technology, microreactor development.

 

This position will support several programs including the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Fuels Campaign, Nuclear Advanced Modeling and Simulation Program, Molten Salt Reactor Program, and the Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation Program.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform experimental work in radiological materials laboratories centered on molten salt thermophysical property and chemical measurements.
• Work with a diverse team of experts in modeling, property measurement, irradiation design, and other relevant areas to advance science-based understanding of molten salt properties in nuclear energy.
• Produce high impact publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel materials.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.
• 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:

• PhD in engineering, materials science, physics, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or other programming language for data analysis and/or instrumentation control.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the professional field relevant to this application, such as post-doctoral appointments, associate professorships, engineering or scientist positions for companies in the nuclear industry, etc.
• Experience working with molten salt at high temperatures and/or radiological materials.
• General background that supports a deep knowledge of molten salt chemistry, next-generation reactor environments, and the design of complex experiments.
• Demonstrated track record of effective written and oral communication.
• Evidence of success in independently driven outcomes and through contributions to collaborative teams.
• Demonstrated ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

 

Special Requirements:

• Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are