Fusion Partnerships Scientist

Requisition Id 15506 

Overview:

The Fusion Energy Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead ORNL initiatives to partner with the private sector in fusion energy research and development. Leveraging recent growth in private investor interest in fusion development, this individual will work closely with the Fusion Energy Division Director and Private-Public Partnership Lead to motivate, identify, evaluate, and secure opportunities for ORNL partnerships with privately funded companies, universities, and other national laboratories in areas that mutually benefit both the Lab and the private companies.

As part of a team with wide-ranging expertise in fusion science and/or engineering and technology, the candidate will be responsible for leading ORNL’s aspiration to be a key player in establishing a vibrant public-private fusion partnership program in the US. Responsibilities will include developing partnerships with the private sector that leverage and advance ORNL technical strengths; positioning ORNL for potential future siting of private demonstration facilities; working with DOE and the US community in establishing new modalities for public-private partnerships; and assisting staff in the execution of work agreements with private companies. The incumbent is also expected to take a lead role in the Department of Energy (DOE) Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, which has the mission of accelerating fusion energy development in the private sector by reducing impediments to collaboration involving the expertise and unique resources available at DOE laboratories. The candidate will also have a lead role in the DOE Fusion Milestone Program, supporting the DOE milestone-based fusion development program in the review of scientific and technical milestones. As time permits, the candidate is also encouraged to be an active research participant in areas that advance the US vision of a fusion pilot plant demonstration.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in leadership of the DOE INFUSE program (pending FES approval).
• Support development and coordinate execution of fusion public-private partnerships at ORNL, working closely with the FED Division Director, PPP lead, ORNL staff and private industry participants.
• Participate in evaluations for the Milestone Technical Evaluation Board (pending FES approval).
• Establish, nurture, and secure strong partnerships with private companies that are engaged or seek to be involved in fusion development.
• Interface with the Directorate’s Chief Operating Officer in securing timely approval of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP).
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.
• Maintain a strong commitment 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 equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, a MS with a minimum of 12 years experiences, or a BS with 15 years’ experience.
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.
• Scientific productivity demonstrated by a record of lead-authored publications (published, accepted, or submitted).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience in working in research partnerships, either through research participation or coordination role.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently in conceptualizing, initiating, and evaluating research opportunities.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Experience developing or coordinating DOE-funded research programs with private fusion industry and/or similar venture-capital-driven industries.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, nurture, and execute on technical partnerships with external participants.
• Ability to communicate well with a wide-ranging set of stakeholders.

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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

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.

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

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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.