Stable Isotope Materials Research Professional

Requisition Id 15425 

 

Overview:

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Stable Isotope Materials Research Professional who will focus on conducting research fabricating a wide variety of material forms using stable isotopes spanning nearly every element of the periodic table. As stewards of the Nation’s Repository of Stable Isotopes, we innovate techniques to minimize losses and maximize yields while transforming these precious isotopically enriched materials. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including conducting basic scientific research, curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring national security.

 

This position resides in Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED supports the nation by conducting research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technologies. SIMC supports pre-enrichment preparations of feedstocks and post-enrichment processing and fabrication of custom physical forms needed to support the user communities. You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on challenging, milestone driven technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE mission areas. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Success requires acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, and execute new methods of processing materials unique to extremely high-value isotopic material.
• Propose, lead, and manage R&D projects.
• Mentor junior researchers and technical staff on material processing methods.
• Advance enrichment technology outcomes through material science expertise.
• Utilize a broad variety of lab equipment including development, commissioning, and process development of new systems.
• Perform fabrication and conversions of stable isotopes in support of dispensing operations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on research activities.
• Represent the organization and sponsors via technical presentations in workshops and conferences.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• 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 equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD Degree with 2-year laboratory experience, or a comparable combination of education and experience in Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.
• Excellent attention to detail when working with exotic and expensive materials including meticulous handling and documentation.
• Hands-on experience in small-scale metals fabrication techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to function safely in a research environment with a diverse scope of work and hazards.
• Proven ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in metallurgy.
• Knowledge in powder metallurgy.
• Experience with metals fabrication including casting, rolling, vapor deposition, thermal processes, and milling.
• Experience with lab equipment design, commissioning, and process development.
• Experience with