Mass Spectrometry Chemist - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 14027 

Overview:  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Material Signatures and Isotopic Standards (MSIS) Group is seeking a motivated, early-career mass spectrometry chemist to lead the development of high-precision mass spectrometry and chemical methods for isotopic as well as assays analysis. This role will support critical safeguards, nonproliferation, and nuclear programs by advancing mass spectrometry methodologies, developing prototypes, and innovating sample introduction systems. You will play an active role in addressing nuclear material analysis needs, risks, and deficiencies, positioning your work at the forefront of nuclear security research. This position resides within the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section of the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) in the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL.

We’re looking for a dynamic professional to elevate our analytical capabilities in nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation through groundbreaking characterizations of nuclear materials, utilizing multi-collector mass spectrometers. This role offers the opportunity to work on focus areas such as novel sample introduction systems for solids, liquids, or gases; isotopic analysis; new material signature development; high-throughput analyses; age dating bulk nuclear materials; and the production of reference material standards. You will advance material characterization for trace and ultra-trace elements, working closely with the Group Leader and technical team members to identify new sponsorships and research opportunities.

The MSIS Group leads in high-precision analytical measurements for nuclear signatures and reference materials. Our facilities, located in Building 4500S, include laboratories with specialized capabilities for handling radioactive materials, including open-front hoods and gloveboxes. Analytical capabilities in MSIS include high-precision isotopic mass spectrometry, trace metal quantification, chronometric age dating, alpha spectrometry, Davies and Gray titration, and pycnometry. We work closely with the Ultra Trace Forensic Science Center (UTFSC), which offers cleanroom laboratories for separation and preparation of smaller nuclear material quantities. UTFSC features advanced automated separation systems, sample handling infrastructure, and a suite of MC-ICP-MS, TIMS, triple-quad, glow discharge, and IRMS instruments.

As a national laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, ORNL has a remarkable 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most critical challenges. Our dedicated team of over 7,500 creative professionals is driven by a mission to propel scientific discovery and innovation. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), we foster a workplace where diverse perspectives and individuals thrive, making ORNL a workplace of choice. These values are integral to achieving ORNL’s mission of translating scientific discoveries into solutions for energy, environment, and national security.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Independently plan, design, and execute analytical measurements with rigor required to meet stringent quality requirements.
• Lead and/or participate in collaboration with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Lead/contribute to the initiation of new research directions and formulating research proposals aimed at securing internal and external funding opportunities.
• Foster effective science communication both inside and outside the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
• Travel will be required to brief sponsors, to field collect material, or to attend scientific conferences. 

• 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 Ph.D. degree in Geology, Chemistry, Geochemistry, Radiochemistry, Cosmochemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the handling/chemical processing of small quantities of samples in a clean-room environment.
• Demonstrated professional experience with analytical chemistry.
• Experience working with radioactive material.
• Active Q or L clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Experience in solid, liquid, and gas sample introduction systems and/or instrumentation for isotope ratio measurements.
• 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 on time and adapt to evolving needs.
• Experience working in ISO17025 accredited laboratory setting.
• Experience performing data analysis and review under standard operating procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Experience translating R&D activities to analytical protocols.
• Experience with MC-ICPMS/TIMS instrumentation and in trouble-shooting such instruments.
• 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:

Reference Letters:

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.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Q clearance:

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.

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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.