Postdoctoral Research Associate- Analytical Chemist
Date: Apr 9, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 14799
Overview:
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Chemical and Isotopic Mass Spectrometry
Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, will focus on R&D in analytical chemistry to develop and advance analytical capabilities and methodologies to support the characterization of nuclear materials associated with the nuclear fuels cycle, nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards, nuclear forensics, production of isotopes, and various application spaces. The research will focus on detailed trace element and isotopic characterizations via inorganic mass spectrometry and using a variety of elemental and isotopic approaches.
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.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Develop front-end introduction systems (e.g., laser ablation and single particle) for direct measurement by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.
- Conceive, design, and implement innovative analytical methods chemical analyses using state of the art elemental and isotopic mass spectrometric systems.
- Publish and present research results in professional journals and at scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with other group scientists and technical personnel for the development of new research ideas.
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
- Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL’s research code of conduct.
- 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:
- A PhD in analytical chemistry or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with elemental and isotopic measurements using modern inorganic mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry instrumentation.
- Experience with various introduction systems including laser ablation.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- 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 within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Special Requirements:
Postdocs:
Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.
Letters of Recommendation:
Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@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
Physical Requirements:
Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
Visa Sponsorship:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
HSPD-12 PIV badge:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
About ORNL:
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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville