Radiochemical Processing Technician

Date: Nov 12, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15597 

 

Overview:

The 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking applicants for a Radiochemical Processing Technician to support radioisotope production operations.

 

The 3047 Operations group within the IPMD at ORNL have an immediate opening for a Radiochemical Processing Technician.  We are seeking highly motivated, organized, and talented candidates to join our growing team to work on our expanding radioisotope production demands.  Utilizing the unique capabilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and related radiochemical and nuclear processing facilities, the groups support a variety of projects supplying difficult-to-produce radioisotopes essential for medical, research, and industrial applications. Production of these radioisotopes supports the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies, as well as the needs of private organizations and institutions.  Our current focus is on production and processing research and development to stand up new production capabilities for medical and industrial radioisotopes, including Ra-226, Ac-227, and Th-228.

 

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Process isotopes via documented procedures in hot cell and glovebox facilities.
  • Assist technical staff and other technicians with operations in chemical and radiochemical laboratories.
  • Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to establish solutions to complex problems.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
  • Coordinate radioactive and hazardous waste characterization.
  • Maintain logbooks and batch record documentation.
  • 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:

  • AS degree in physical or engineering sciences with five years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Candidates should have demonstrated ability and hands-on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples.
  • Excellent communication skills are essential to ensure effective interaction with peers, technical and non-technical staff.
  • Must be self-motivated, able to work as a team, and a committed to safe work practices.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in wet-chemistry operations and nuclear detection methods, including gamma-ray spectroscopy.
  • Experience with glove box and/or remote hot cell operations.
  • Experience in quality assurance documentation, good laboratory practice (GLP), and or current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) experience.
  • Experience in isotope production activities and chemical purification techniques.
  • Experience using glove boxes and/or hot cell manipulators for isotope production.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • Q or L Clearance: 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.
  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

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. Located about 25 miles northwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, ORNL is one of the pre-eminent multidisciplinary research facilities in 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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville