Trace Metal Chemist - Technical Assistant

Requisition Id 12552 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking a scientist to support activity in the ultra-trace clean chemistry protocols for bulk, nuclear, and environmental samples. Candidate will help support research to develop methodologies to address challenging analytical problems. This position resides in Chemical and Isotopics Mass Spectrometry (CIMS) Group in the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section, Chemicals Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for supporting current and new focus areas to strengthen current programs and capabilities. In this role you will work closely with the CIMS team members to support sample material preparation and collection programs to delivery high quality data and meet milestones.  As technical professional assistant (TP) staff, you will be responsible for working with staff to provide input to reports and publication. The ideal candidate will support preparation projects and novel chemistry protocols. Daily tasks will focus primarily on labware preparation, digestions using hot plates/microwaves, dissolutions, separations, sample preparation, material conversion, data collection, documentation, and report generation. These will support analyses such as isotope dilution mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 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 material types. Your work will contribute to advancement of material characterizations for trace and ultra-trace materials using a suite of high precision analytical methodologies. The candidate should have some familiarity with inorganic mass spectrometry sample preparation.

 

The (CIMS) group has extensive history in the analysis of material dating back to the early 1960s. The team is located in the Ultra Trace Forensic Science Center which houses a suite of advanced and modern laboratories. The facility contains over 10000 square feet of cleanroom space for separations and sample preparation. In addition, there are higher level laboratories across campus for various applications. The separation laboratories feature unique automated separation systems, and sample handling infrastructure.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Support the development of new and novel c chemistry protocols.

• Create and write reports and scientific documents.

• Independently plan, design, and execute experiments.

• Wet chemistry techniques such as dissolution, solution preps and column separations.

• Make material balance measurements.

• Interpret data (including quality control) from measurements to apply to real-world application and purpose through report writing.

• Have technical proficiency in Microsoft office suite and basic computer software.

• Have a strong understanding of pipette operation, and labware functionality.

• Lead and/or participate in collaboration with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.

• Maintain effective communications concerning scientific efforts internal and external to the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings.

• Participate/ lead in the initiation of new research directions and development of research proposals to compete for internal and external funding.

• 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 fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Geology, Geochemistry, Radiochemistry, Cosmochemistry, Oceanographic, Biochemistry, Volcanology, Psychology or a related discipline (basic or applied sciences), and a minimum of 1 years’ experience in a laboratory setting.

• Demonstrated professional experience with analytical chemistry.

• Experience working with radioactive material.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established Q or L clearance.

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Geology, Geochemistry, Radiochemistry, Cosmochemistry, Oceanographic, Biochemistry, Volcanology, Philology, or a related discipline (basic or applied sciences), and a minimum o