Postdoctoral Research Associate - Glenn T. Seaborg Institute

Requisition Id 13064 

­­Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

The Glenn T. Seaborg Institute (GTSI) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is committed to enhancing and maintaining US capabilities in actinide science and technology by helping to attract, develop, and retain the workforce of actinide scientists to meet the needs of the nation.

Topic of Interest

As the United States looks to expand nuclear energy capabilities, the importance of thoroughly understanding the physical and chemical behavior uranium hexafluoride is key, as this is currently the only material enabling enrichment for fuel elements in power reactors. This call focuses on advancing the understanding of the chemistry and materials compatibility behavior of uranium hexafluoride, through the study of its fundamental chemistry and physical properties. Research which considers redox reactions, implications of radiolysis and spectroscopy are of particular interest.

Application Process and Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2024, through November 29, 2024, for positions starting in the 2024/25 timeframe, although earlier appointments are possible. Positions will support one postdoc for two years.

You must first apply for the GTSI postdoctoral fellowship on the ORNL Jobs website. Visit jobs.ornl.gov and search for “ORNL GTSI Program.” Click on the job link and complete the application as directed.

Within 2 weeks following completion of your application, please e-mail the following documents to pricete@ornl.gov . Please note all supporting documents are due no later than November 29 at 5 pm EST:

1. Cover letter
2. Current CV
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. Three letters of recommendation (one must be from Ph. D. advisor)
5. Designated postdoctoral mentor
6. A concise (1 page maximum) research proposal related to the topic of interest

Research Proposal Outline Requirement:

• Proposal Title
• Research Proposal by Applicant’s Name with ORNL Mentor’s Name

• Proposal 2 Pages maximum including all text, figures, tables, graphics, and references.
• Formatting: 12 pt Times New Roman font, single spaced.

Background. (1-2 paragraphs)

Describe the current state of the field.

Show that this research is novel and of high interest.

Describe the problem to be solved, the need to be addressed, or the gap in the knowledge to be filled.

Research Plan. (4-5 paragraphs)

Include proposal goals/aims, challenges, and expected outcomes.

Include internal and external collaboration plans.

Scientific Impacts. (1-2 paragraphs)

Describe how this work will impact the actinide field and if applicable how it will have an impact on the program funding this work.

Basic Qualifications:

• To be eligible you must have completed a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field with in the last 5 years.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Selection Process

The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Internal Review Committee will evaluate applications based on candidate excellence and relevance of the proposed research topic.

● Proposed Seaborg Researcher research project

○ Creativity and innovation

○ Impact on program’s mission

○ Research approach

● Proposed Seaborg Researcher candidate

○ Strength of candidate

Successful candidates must be approved by the ORNL Postdoc Program before receiving funding and performing research.

Final selections will be made by the Seaborg Institute Leadership Team based on rankings, programmatic balance, project strategic importance, and budget.

Performance Requirements

The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Program requires performance metrics of activities and resource management reporting. Successful Seaborg Postdoctoral Researchers are required to report project activities and to participate in program activities with funding dependent upon compliance with these requirements:

1. Recipients are required to participate in the Actinide Science Lecture Series by both attending and presenting scientific lectures on actinide science in this Series
2. Submission of a viewgraph and detailed proposal outlining goals within a month of starting postdoctoral appointment.
3. Provision of a list of project publications and presentations each fiscal quarter.
4. Acknowledgement of Nonproliferation Stewardship Program, NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development (DNN R&D) as a financial contributor in all publications or presentations.
5. Upon completion of the appointment, the recipient will be required to submit short reports on research progress, publications, presentations, and future employment status.
6. Must have an ORCiD account.

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.