Group Leader, Advanced Fuel Fabrication

Requisition Id 14712 

Overview: 

The Nuclear Fuel Development Section is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the Advanced Fuel Fabrication group. This individual will provide strategic direction and supervise execution of ORNL research activities spanning several current and emergent areas of nuclear fuel fabrication. Areas of expertise within the current group include sol gel synthesis, applications of coatings via fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition as needed to fabricate Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) and other coated particle fuels, and traditional ceramic nuclear fuel fabrication methods reliant on powder feedstock synthesis, compaction and sintering. Characterization of chemistry and microstructure resulting from processing, and evaluation of potential impacts on mechanical and thermophysical properties are also a focus of the group. The selected candidate will be a scientific leader supervising a group of 8-12 researchers including students and postdocs. Scientific output, program development, industry engagement, and international visibility will be an emphasis throughout these activities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a diverse group of technical staff in execution of programmatic deliverables in numerous areas of nuclear fuel fabrication and characterization.
• Lead development and optimization of new fabrication methods applicable to actinide and nuclear fuel systems.
• Develop and implement a research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group and greater section for future success.
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals.
• Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
• Produce high impact publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel fabrication and characterization.
• Advise organizational leadership on strategic opportunities and research priorities as driven by sponsor interests.
• Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
• Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as publications, design/safety analysis calculations, proposals, and other technical artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards. 
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
• Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.
• 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.

Qualifications Required:

• PhD in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, material science, chemistry, or a related field and six years of post-graduate experience.
• Possess a strong background in nuclear fuel fabrication and characterization methods as evidenced by prior work.
• Track record of high impact publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear materials.
• Experience leading teams, developing staff, and mentoring postdocs/students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership of nuclear fuel coating processes such as fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition.
• Hands-on experience handling nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, or fume hoods.
• Experience in development of successful technical proposals leading to funding acquisition to advance complex, multiyear research.

Special Requirements:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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

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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.

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.