Distinguished R&D Staff - Fusion Blankets Lead

Requisition Id 16300 

Overview:
We are seeking a Fusion Blankets Lead to provide strategic and technical leadership for research and development (R&D) in fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This position will play a central role in shaping and executing ORNL’s vision for fusion nuclear science and engineering, with emphasis on tritium breeding, fuel cycle closure, and power extraction systems for future fusion energy devices.

The Fusion Blankets Lead will report to the Fusion Energy Division Director and work across ORNL’s Fusion Energy Division (FED), Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), and other directorates to develop and integrate a coordinated, lab-wide strategy. This role will also interface closely with DOE, international partners, and the private fusion sector.

A key responsibility will be defining and advancing the technical basis and programmatic strategy for fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies, including the realization of next-generation technology test facilities identified in the DOE Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap.

Purpose:

• Provide scientific and programmatic leadership to:
  • Establish ORNL as a global leader in fusion blanket and fuel cycle R&D
  • Develop a compelling, integrated strategy aligned with DOE priorities
  • Advance the technical readiness of blanket and tritium fuel cycle systems toward fusion pilot plants and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) deployments

This role emphasizes vision, technical direction, and program development.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy and Program Development:

• Define and lead ORNL’s strategy for fusion blanket and fuel cycle R&D, aligned with the DOE Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap
• Develop the technical and programmatic basis for integrated blanket and fuel cycle test facilities, including fusion-relevant neutron environments and tritium processing systems
• Identify critical science and technology gaps and develop plans to close them through coordinated R&D programs
• Work with DOE leadership to articulate priorities and motivate future investments in fusion nuclear science and engineering
• Work with Division and Directorate leadership to assess staffing needs to build the program.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide scientific leadership in areas including:
  • Tritium breeding and extraction
  • Blanket materials and structural performance
  • Fuel cycle integration and tritium accountancy
  • Power extraction and thermal systems
• Integrate expertise across plasma physics, materials science, nuclear engineering, and systems modeling to develop cohesive solutions
• Leverage ORNL capabilities including neutron irradiation (e.g., HFIR), advanced manufacturing, and computational modeling 

Facility and Infrastructure Development:

• Lead development of concepts and technical justification for fusion-relevant blanket and fuel cycle test facilities
• Coordinate cross-laboratory and public–private partnerships to enable facility realization
• Contribute to national efforts to define and prioritize fusion nuclear infrastructure 

Collaboration and External Engagement:

• Build and lead collaborations with:
  • DOE laboratories and universities
  • International fusion programs
  • Private fusion companies
• Represent ORNL in national and international forums on fusion nuclear science and technology 
• Contribute to initiatives such as Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives and other partnership programs

 
Research and Scientific Contribution:

• Maintain an active, high-impact research program
• Lead and contribute to proposals in fusion blanket and fuel cycle technologies
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at major conferences 

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure all work adheres to Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) standards
• Contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, integrity, and collaboration 

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, or a related field
• Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience (commensurate with a Distinguished R&D staff role)
• Demonstrated record of technical leadership in fusion nuclear science, blanket technology, fuel cycle systems, or closely related areas
• Strong record of scientific productivity (publications, invited talks, program leadership)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance from the Department of Energy, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized expertise in one or more of the following: 
  • Fusion blanket design and integration
  • Tritium breeding and processing systems
  • Radiation effects in materials under fusion-relevant conditions
  • Fusion fuel cycle modeling and systems analysis 
• Experience developing or leading large, multi-institutional R&D programs 
• Familiarity with DOE program structures and fusion roadmap priorities 
• Experience engaging with private-sector fusion developers
• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific insight into programmatic strategy

Desired Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to define and execute long-term vision
• Strong collaborator across disciplines and institutions
• Effective communicator with both technical and policy audiences
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving national fusion landscape 

Special Requirements: 

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 
• 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.

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

Relocation:  Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

 
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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.