Chemical Engineer for Environmental Management - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 12846 

Overview:  

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will focus on research of waste composition and morphology research of importance to environmental management program of the Department of Energy. The primary focus will be performing in situ and ex situ characterization of model waste systems using microscopy and microanalysis techniques such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy.  Experiences in data reduction of large mass spectrometry and image data are required.  Skills and hands-on experiences in nano- and micro-fabrication of MEMS and microfluidics are desirable.  This position resides in the Advanced Nuclear Materials (ANM) Group in the Materials in Extremes Section, Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  As part of our team, you will study waste compositions, form engineering solutions, and develop new techniques to study materials. 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science 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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct experiments to study waste compositions and effects of salts and pH using in situ chemical imaging techniques including SEM, ToF-SIMS, and Raman.

• Perform data analysis of microscopy and microanalysis data sets and coordinate between experimental studies and theoretical simulations

• Perform finite computational modeling (i.e., COMSOL CFD) to simulate particles at the microscale

• Prepare microfluidics and MEMS devices using microfabrication techniques such as photolithography, mask design, mask fabrication, wet/plasma etching, deposition, plasma cleaning/ bonding, and device testing and verification

• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements

• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

• 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 PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with at least 2 years of research experience post PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in microfluidics and MEMS fabrication

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in ToF-SIMS

• Experiences with processing and evaluations of large MS and microscopy data sets

• Experiences with operation of ToF-SIMS, SEM, and Raman instrument

• Strong background in fluidic dynamics modeling and experiences in machine learning

• Strong background in modern techniques in fabrication of nano- and microfluidics

• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• 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:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

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.

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.