Fuel Cycle Chemical Technology Group Leader

Requisition Id 13946 

 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been a hub for nuclear energy for 80 years. Our Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) brings together over 240 researchers and technical professionals from various fields to develop and showcase innovative nuclear technologies. We are committed to enabling the safe and efficient delivery of nuclear benefits both now and in the future.

 

We are looking for a Group Leader for the Fuel Cycle Chemical Technology (FCCT) Group at ORNL. This position is in the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, and Fusion and Fission and Science Directorate. The FCCT Research Group investigates all aspects of nuclear fuel cycle process chemistry from front end uranium resource utilization to back end alternative processing methodologies, waste form development and off-gas treatment in support of current and advanced reactor technologies. The research performed is applicable to international industrial efforts and domestic national security applications and takes place in specialized nuclear and radiological facilities, including high activity hot cells. Group members contribute expertise to a many ORNL programs supporting research and development associated with advanced reactor development, integrated fuel cycle development, international safeguards, and nuclear facility security

 

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

• Take charge of a research and development portfolio centered on the processing of nuclear materials for fuel fabrication and advanced fuel forms.

• Lead the technical aspects and envision the growth of the group's R&D portfolio.

• Provide mentoring and career development strategies for the team of scientists and engineers.

• Lead and submit proposals for competitively funded research applicable to nuclear fuel cycle management strategies.

• Provide innovative solutions to a wide range of complex, ambiguous, and/or difficult problems.

• Engage with domestic and international researchers to lead workshops, working groups, and conference symposia on nuclear material processing strategies.

• Support development of the field and profession through service in professional societies and committees.

• Collate and document research performed in technical memos, present research at national and international meetings, and publish in peer-reviewed journals where appropriate.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a similar field, and a minimum of six years of related experience beyond the Ph.D.

• Demonstrated experience in the processing and handling of uranium and nuclear materials.

• Experience with delivering impactful technical results, leading teams, and developing people.

• Hands-on experience with handling nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, and fume hoods.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong background in nuclear fuel cycle materials and processing applications.

• Experience in development of a team culture that values inclusion, active engagement, and knowledge transfer.

• Experience working in a controlled environment with protected data.

• Experience in development of successful technical proposals leading to funding of complex research projects.

 

Special Requirement:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.