R&D Associate Staff Member

Requisition Id 16727 

Overview:  

We are seeking an R&D Associate Staff Member to support applied spectroscopy, sensor development, and process-monitoring research within the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will develop and deploy optical spectroscopy-based analytical methods, automated sampling approaches, and integrated instrumentation for real-time or near-real-time measurements in complex chemical, isotope-production, and nuclear-relevant processing environments. This position will support program needs in radionuclide production, separations, materials/process monitoring, and related test systems, with opportunities to contribute to technical reporting, publications, proposals, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

IARG is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the production, exploration of fundamental properties, and practical applications of radioisotopes produced at ORNL. Comprised of experts ranging from nuclear engineers and radiochemists to organic chemists and cell biologists, IARG pushes the boundaries of technology in the production, isolation, and characterization of radionuclides. Their work not only enhances our understanding of these isotopes but also explores their current and potential future applications, which include innovations in nuclear battery development, cutting-edge research in next-generation nuclear reactors, and the advancement of targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment.

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:

• Conduct experimental research to develop optical spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and analytical instrumentation capabilities for isotope-production and nuclear-relevant processing applications.
• Design, integrate, test, and troubleshoot sampling interfaces, flow cells, aerosol/gas/liquid analysis methods, and computer-controlled instrumentation for online or at-line measurements.
• Develop quantitative calibration, signal processing, chemometrics, uncertainty evaluation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows that support reliable process feedback.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and proposal materials while delivering ORNL's mission through Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science and committing to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, optical science, materials science, or a related field and demonstrated experience developing or applying optical spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, chemical sensing, or process-monitoring methods.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman, fluorescence, UV-Vis/absorbance, FT-IR, or related optical measurement approaches.
• Experience with online or at-line monitoring of complex process streams, such as molten salts, liquids, gases, aerosols, off-gas streams, or other challenging matrices.
• Experience designing or integrating automated sampling systems, flow cells, microfluidic systems, field-ready sensors, embedded controls, or computer-controlled instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of Python, Arduino/C++, microcontrollers, electronics, data acquisition, chemometrics, multivariate calibration, or statistical analysis methods.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment and communicate research results through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations.

This position is a regular full-time staff appointment. Initial placement will be commensurate with experience, education, and relevant skills. Continued employment is subject to performance and availability of funding.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

About ORNL:

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.

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.

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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.

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.