Chemist- Technical Assistant

Requisition Id 14584 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Technical Assistant Staff Member who will be responsible for a variety of technical projects under standard procedures and ORNL mission applications. Such applications include environmental stewardship programs, research under nuclear fuel cycles programs, and chemical operations associated with the production and purification of radioisotopes.  This position resides in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section’s Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

The ideal candidate will work closely with other technical staff members at the bench and develop expertise using standard equipment while performing a range of technical services. Daily tasks will focus primarily on labware preparation, digestions using hot plates/microwaves, dissolutions, chemical separations, sample preparation for radiochemical or inorganic inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry assays, material conversion, data collection, documentation, and report generation. In general, the sample streams are unique and varied in nature, the candidate should not expect to perform the same task daily. In addition, this position will require the candidate to use their previous knowledge to apply solutions to different materials. Your work will contribute to advancement of material characterizations for trace and ultra-trace materials analysis. The candidate should have some familiarity with inorganic mass spectrometry sample preparation.   

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Work with staff to perform laboratory tests as needed to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures.
• Support detailed analytical operations in C-zoned laboratories and radiochemical hoods and gloveboxes.
• Obtain and maintain all ORNL training requirements for a radiation worker performing analytical work in radiological facilities to include being qualified as a respirator wearer.
• Utilize Windows based personal computers, instrumentation operation, data reporting, analytical calculations, and sample management.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Lead by example according to ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL’s ESH&Q policies, standards, and procedures.
• Enhance the group's reputation and standing through collaboration, Professional Society leadership, and organizing technical events.
• Maintain effective communication about scientific efforts both internally and externally, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with staff to address novel and complex technical issues.
• Conduct laboratory tests to develop, modify, and refine operational and experimental procedures.

• 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:

• BS degree in chemistry, biology, physics or closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 1 year of analytical laboratory experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experie