Radiobioassay Program Technical Specialist

Date: Apr 4, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14781 

 

Overview:

The Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division (NRPD) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Radiobioassay Program Technical Specialist for the Radioanalytical Services team within the Nuclear Measurements and Analytical Services Group. ORNL is a world leader in advanced science and technology research involving several nonreactor nuclear facilities, accelerators, and the High Flux Isotope reactor which involve a complex range of internal and external radiological hazards that are managed to protect more than 3,000 researchers and operations staff involved in the Nuclear Research and Isotope Production Mission. The Radioanalytical Services Group is responsible for maintaining Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) accreditation for in vivo and in vitro analytical programs as an essential part of the ORNL Radiological Protection Program. The primary focus of this position is to provide technical direction for the Radiobioassay and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry Laboratories for in vitro chemical analyses in order to provide timely, reliable, and consistently high-quality analytical results necessary for occupational radiological internal dose assessment.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The Radiobioassay Program Technical Specialist position requires a solid understanding of safe work practices for chemical analysis. The position is responsible for providing technical and quality assurance support to ensure high-quality and reliable laboratory operations on the full range of chemistry methods used within the laboratory and help ensure that operations remain compliant with requirements of the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP). Specific responsibilities include:

 

  • Maintain the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and assist in the development of new analytical procedures as necessary to keep pace with the evolving ORNL nuclear mission.

  • Assist in maintaining the inventory of reference standards, which includes preparing low-level working standards from higher activity primary solutions.

  • Periodically author, review, and update analytical operating procedures and technical basis documentation to meet ORNL and group quality assurance requirements.

  • Perform chemical analyses on bioassay samples (primarily urine and fecal samples), as needed, which includes sample preparation, radiochemical separation, and source preparation (electrodeposition, filtration, etc.).

  • Review and approve sample measurement data and provide QC oversight.

  • Collaborate with other Radioanalytical Services staff to resolve issues.

  • Develop and maintain safety documentation for laboratory operations and associated procedures and documentation.

  • Coordinate records generation, handling, and disposition.

  • 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:

  • BS degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or closely related field.

  • A minimum of two years of experience in a radiochemistry or sample analysis laboratory

  • In-depth knowledge of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry principles and techniques.

  • Excellent organizational and work planning skills; able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks; comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory setting.

  • Strong interpersonal skills that foster positive interaction and teamwork with laboratory staff and management.

  • Critical thinking ability to facilitate problem-solving and troubleshooting; must be able to undertake and quickly resolve problems while maintaining composure and situational control.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Organizational and work planning skills; able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks; comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory setting.

  • Strong interpersonal skills that foster positive interaction and teamwork with laboratory staff and management.

  • Critical thinking ability to facilitate problem-solving and troubleshooting; must be able to undertake and quickly resolve problems while maintaining composure and situational control.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or closely related field with a minimum of one year of experience in a radiochemistry or sample analysis laboratory

  • Proficiency and familiarity with PerkinElmer Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry instruments.

  • In-depth knowledge of radiochemistry principles and techniques, including preparation, extraction and analysis methods.

  • Prior low-level radiochemistry experience in a DOELAP accredited in vitro radiobioassay program.

 

Special Requirements:

  • 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:

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.


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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville