Postdoctoral Research Associate - Uranium/fluorine Chemist/Engineer

Requisition Id 13909 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctral Research Associate who will focus on investigating uranium fluorination to improve fluoride volatility processing methodologies within the nuclear fuel cycle.This position resides in the Uranium Chemistry- Applications and Simulations Group in the Materials Characterization Section, Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, National Security Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our team, you will focus on designing and performing laboratory experiments aimed at evaluating the behavior of uranium and fission product elements in uranium rectification systems for fluoride volatility processes. You will evaluate analytical results and report on findings. You will also participate in other efforts focused on uranium nonproliferation and safeguards.

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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with other researchers (mentors) to develop and analyze uranium rectification methods for fluoride volatility processes.
• Deliver R&D on an ongoing basis as evidenced by S&T presentations, professional community engagement, inventions/patents/copyrights, publications as appropriate, etc.
• Exercise scientific integrity in performing and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a dedication to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Perform work activities in nuclear and/or radiological facilities/environments.
• Ability to engage in domestic and international travel as required.
• All team members 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 PhD in radiochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a related field, completed within the last five (5) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Uranium or fluorine chemistry experience.
• Experience using gas systems (ie. vacuum systems, piping/tubing, pumps, etc.).
• 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:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated 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

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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.

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.