Nuclear Materials Testing - Technical Associate Staff

Requisition Id 11714 

 

Overview:

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a dedicated technical professional to play an important role in the mechanical testing and microstructural characterization of irradiated materials. This position resides in our Materials in Extremes (MiE) Section within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) at ORNL.

 

This Technical Assistant will independently perform tasks assigned by the technical laboratory coordinator and project leaders that will primarily involve laboratory-based activities required for the characterization of irradiated materials. Much of this work will occur in ORNL's radiological facilities including the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) and Low Activation Materials Development & Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory. These facilities house a suite of characterization equipment used to perform post-irradiation examination of irradiated materials in various designed conditions. You'll work closely with ORNL scientists and research support staff to plan and implement various testing and characterization tasks for radioactive materials and be responsible for many aspects of the daily operation of a radiological area dedicated to work with radioactive materials.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and perform hands-on testing and examination tasks in radiological materials laboratories, including mechanical testing, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, specimen polishing and inspection, and thermal properties testing
• Acquire and process complex test data as described in manual or work proposal, and provide processed information and data to project or program managers
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, papers, and presentations by describing experimental methods and result data
• Perform work collaboratively with other team members and keep the sequence of tasks designed by the team
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's in materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field and at least two years of experience; a MS in the same areas and 1 year of experience; or a PhD in the same areas
• Experimental work experience and general data handling and analysis skills

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in material testing and examination equipment: mechanical testing system, optical or scanning electron microscope
• Proven track record and skills for careful and meticulous manual work
• Experience working in a radiological/nuclear facility
• Strong interpersonal skills to support team building, partnering inside and outside ORNL
• 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 changes needed

 

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

 

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educationa