Research Staff Scientist - Uncrewed Systems & Robotics

Requisition Id 12625 

Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge 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.

We are seeking a Research Staff Scientist who will initiate, lead, and conduct basic and applied research on uncrewed and autonomous vehicles and robotics. This position resides in the Autonomous Systems Group in the Geospatial Sciences & Human Security Division within the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other world-class researchers across multiple subject areas to solve big problems facing our national security.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Initiate, lead, and conduct basic and applied research in strategic research areas related to uncrewed autonomous vehicles and robotics. These areas can include:
  • Advancing Autonomy: Researching technologies and developing solutions that advance the capabilities of Uncrewed Systems such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), State Estimation, and Controls.
  • Edge Computing: Developing custom hardware and software to leverage advanced edge-computing SoMs and conduct research in class-leading machine learning, artificial intelligence, and edge data processing for a variety of applications
  • Novel Communications: Researching novel ideas to develop the next-generation communication solutions and address challenges with operating uncrewed autonomous vehicles in operationally relevant & austere environments.
  • Nuclear Security: Enhance the security of nuclear materials by researching autonomous tools, technologies, and tactics to improve security, enhance response efforts, and support global nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation.
  • Operations: Researching innovative methods for operating and interacting with next-generation autonomous vehicles
• Publish scientific findings in peer reviewed journals. Projects may involve participants from other groups in the lab as well as external academic, industry, or government groups. 
• Survey literature and implement innovative techniques to solve big problems.
• Address the real-world needs of funding agencies by participating in the transition of technologies from the research community to reliable fielded capabilities. 
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers to develop technical expertise. 
• Network with experts in academia, industry, and government for awareness of the state-of-the-art of technological capabilities and how they can be applied to current and future sponsors. 
• Some travel (up to 20% time) may be 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:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science or closely related field and two (2) years of proven experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Track record of advancing the field proven through research publications or awarded proposals.
• Adept in one or more programming languages
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading teams to conduct groundbreaking research in robotics and unmanned systems technologies or applications.
• Demonstrated experience leading the publication of peer-reviewed technical and scientific papers to journals.
• Effective 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 specified timeframes, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q clearance with SCI: 

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.  

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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.