Chemist- Technical Staff Member

Requisition Id 14582 

 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Staff Member who will be involved in the performance of a full range of radiochemical methods and analyses on samples which contain radiological constituents.  This position will support a variety of ORNL projects and programs including its environmental stewardship programs, research for the nuclear fuel cycles, 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).   

 

As part of our analytical support team, you will be responsible for the performance and development of detailed chemical protocols involving sample preparations, chemical separations and measurements using radioanalytical counting equipment or operation of the instrumentation. In addition, the ideal candidate will have excellent trouble shooting and repair knowledge instrumentation.

 

The individual will support the development of new methods to maintain and support a high level of data quality within the group. Furthermore, the candidate will need to create standard operating procedures and maintain current ISO 17025 capabilities. In this role you will work closely with the Group Leader and other team members support sponsors and programs needs in a timely manner.  Your work will contribute to material characterizations for environmental methodologies. The candidate should have some familiarity with inorganic sample preparation. 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Independently operate RMAL’s radioanalytical suite of instruments.
• Independently perform laboratory tests as needed to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures.
• Independently perform 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.
• Lead and participate in planning workflow for the laboratory, including establishing priorities within and between projects, and determining the best direction of the laboratory efforts for various experiments, tests, and analysis.
• Utilize Windows based personal computers, instrumentation operation, data reporting, analytical calculations, and sample management.
• Participate in or lead the initiation of new research directions and the development of research proposals to secure internal and external funding.
• 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.
• 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 5 years of analytical laboratory experience.