Group Leader, Radioisotope Science and Technology Division

Requisition Id 13588 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a senior scientist, technical project, and people leader for our world class radioisotope program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy Isotope Program, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials and guide strategic development of novel radiochemical separations, analytical techniques, and radioisotope purification processes.

This position as a Group Lead resides within the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The highly accomplished staff within the RSTD use the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), to produce a variety of important medical, scientific, and industrial radioisotopes. These include several alpha emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Pm-147 for industrial thickness gauges; C-14 for biological radiotracers; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; and Pu-238 for space exploration. Work in RSTD takes place in specialized nuclear and radiological facilities, including radiological fume hoods,  gloveboxes, and heavily shielded hot cells.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a research and development portfolio of both fundamental and applied science, developing novel radiochemical processing, characterization, and analysis techniques, with the aim to effectively delivery radioisotopes, enable new radioisotope availability, and expand applications of radioisotopes.
• Provide leadership and a science driven technical vision for growth of the research and development portfolio.
• Provide mentoring and career guidance to a team of roughly 10-15 scientists, engineers, and technicians, including facilitating knowledge transfer and strategic development of early career staff.
• Submit proposals for competitively funded research in basic and applied sciences applicable to enhanced production and processing of radioisotopes.
• Lead sponsor-directed research on development of new radioisotope product lines or enhancement of existing processes.
• Maintain detailed records and develop robust processes for radioisotope processing
• Provide imaginative, thorough solutions to a wide range of complex, ambiguous, and/or difficult problems.
• Engage with the domestic and international radioisotope production community to lead workshops, working groups, and conferences
• Serve in professional societies and standards development committees
• Publish research results in peer reviewed journals.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Radiochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar field, and a minimum of six years of related experience is required, with demonstrated experience in the processing and purification of nuclear materials.
• Experience with leading teams and developing people.
• Hands on experience with handling of nuclear materials in fume hoods and gloveboxes.
• An appropriate publication record demonstrating increasing complexity and ownership of a research portfolio, provided research was not overly subject to classification restriction

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong radiochemistry background and understanding of the constraints of radiochemical processing in high radiation environments
• Experience supporting and directing the work of early career researchers and/or students
• Experience scaling up benchtop operations to large scale processes
• A successful record of funding acquisition for applied multi-disciplinary research

About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers.  Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

Benefits at ORNL:
UT-Battelle offers a quality benefits package, including a matching 401(k), contributory pension plan, paid vacation, and medical/dental plan options.  Onsite amenities include a credit union, medical clinic, cafeteria, and fitness facilities.

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.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at https://jobs.ornl.gov.

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.