Radioisotope Production Technical Professional

Date: Nov 17, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15612 

 

Overview:

We are seeking a Technical Professional-Radioisotope Processing to support the 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to support isotope production operations.

 

Description:

The 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Senior Radiochemical Processing Technical Professional to support the production of high-priority radioisotopes, specifically radium-226 (Ra-226), actinium-227 (Ac-227), and thorium-228 (Th-228). This is an immediate opportunity for a highly motivated, organized, and technically skilled individual to join a dynamic team focused on expanding domestic radioisotope production capabilities.

 

Our current priorities center on scaling and optimizing production processes for Ra-226, Ac-227, and Th-228 to meet growing national and global demand. The selected candidate will contribute to process development, radiochemical separations, and operational improvements to ensure reliable, high-purity isotope output.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Work directly with nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, and chemical hoods to support isotope production.
  • Lead and support isotope production activities in a team environment in a Category III Nuclear Facility; including glovebox and hot cell operations.
  • Develop and coordinate production and processing schedules and liaise with Group Lead, R&D SME,and technical staff in support of customer requests.
  • Assist Group Lead with identifying, testing, and executing continuous improvement projects.
  • Develop solutions to radioisotope processing and production challenges.
  • Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to establish solutions to complex problems.
  • Assist and develop quality control and quality assurance documentation as well as procedures in support of isotope production and operation excellence.
  • Assist technical staff and other technicians with operations in chemical and radiochemical laboratories.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
  • Mentor and train technicians.
  • Assist Group Lead with other duties as assigned.
  • Maintain, review, and track 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:

  • BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication to enable effective interaction with peers, technical, and non-technical staff.
  • Experience in a production or manufacturing environment with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
  • 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 past-environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs, including flexible scheduling to meet production goals.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in wet chemistry operations.
  • Demonstrated ability and hands-on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples, and experience with glove box and/or remote hot cell operations.
  • Experience in quality assurance documentation, good laboratory practice (GLP).
  • Experience in isotope production activities and chemical purification techniques.
  • Experience using glove boxes and/or hot cell manipulators for isotope production.
  • Ability to interpret data from analytical methods such as gamma-ray spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
  • Strong written and verbal communication and organizational management skills.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements including standing for long periods at a time, carrying heavy items, extended use of manipulators, hot and cold environments, as well as other working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical is required.
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

 

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.

 

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

#LI-DC1

 

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