Senior R&D Staff

Requisition Id 12842 

Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are currently seeking world class scientific staff for the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) within the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The NSSD conducts research and development to confront some of the nation’s most difficult security challenges and adversaries. In addition to nuclear nonproliferation, our directorate also houses science and technology (S&T) leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial S&T, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory’s outstanding facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other S&T areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, nuclear fuel cycle and reactor systems, modern nuclear instrumentation and controls, applied materials, advanced manufacturing and intelligent systems, biosecurity, transportation, modeling and simulation, and computing. The Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology (NMST) Group in the Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section focuses on research, development, and application of nondestructive assay systems, data acquisition technologies, and analysis methods that support international safeguards, domestic material control and accounting, operational safety for material processing, waste measurement, and nuclear material security protocols.

The NMST Group is seeking a Senior R&D Staff member to develop and apply innovative solutions to complex nuclear material measurement problems both domestically and abroad. This position affords the unique opportunity to work with a group of talented professionals and help establish ORNL as a premier R&D organization by enabling true impact on critical national security missions through a team-based approach and commitment to excellence.

We are seeking an experienced scientist and/or engineer who is an independent researcher with demonstrated competency and extensive knowledge of NDA (or its components) and how it is applied across the nuclear fuel cycle.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Initiate, lead and perform independent and impactful safeguards-related R&D on an ongoing basis.
• Lead program development activities through sponsor engagements, preparation of proposals and white papers, participation in workshops, etc.
• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects related to advanced safeguards S&T.
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts (i.e.) advanced reactors.
• Exercise scientific integrity in proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Establish collaborations, professional society leadership and involvement, and organizeof technical events to advance the reputation of NMST and the standing of the group as a whole
• Deliver instructional curricula regarding non-destructive assay fundamentals and application to a variety of audiences.

All team members 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:

• PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field and six (6) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience leading technical projects and teams as principal investigator.
• Experience developing and deploying safeguards methodologies/NDA equipment in nuclear facilities.
• Experience using and repairing gamma-ray and neutron detectors common to safeguards and security applications. 
• Proven track record and recognition of technical expertise across international organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle and applied nuclear material safeguards.
• Demonstrated ability to present scientific information to sponsors, partners, and/or technical communities.
• Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).
• Specialization in safeguards inspection/verification technologies and instruments.
• Knowledge of applied statistics, particularly applied to NDA measurement uncertainties and/or sampling.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver instructional curricula.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a team environment.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q clearance: 

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.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.