Scientific Associate

Requisition Id 13789 

Overview:    

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver ground-breaking solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Scientific Associate who will support the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Science Support Group 1 in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to serve SNAP – the Spallation Neutrons and Pressure Diffractometer in operation at SNS. 

The successful candidate will provide technical support and leadership to the scientific staff and user community, while serving as the primary point of contact for operations support staff. SNAP, a high-flux, medium-resolution diffractometer, features advanced area detectors, beam-focusing optics, and pressure devices for studying powdered, single-crystal, and amorphous materials under extreme conditions. Pressure environments include Paris-Edinburgh presses up to 25 GPa, and new developments in diamond anvil cells significantly expand the pressure range. 

As part of the SNAP instrument team, you'll support researchers from all over the world through effective instrument operation and troubleshooting, with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking scientific and engineering research using neutron scattering. For more information, visit https://neutrons.ornl.gov/snap.  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Provide direction to craft and technical teams, supporting staff scientists and user groups in completing the experimental research program. 

• Contribute to project management and systems engineering for the instrument. 

• Develop system requirements, test plans, and operations documentation. 

• Assist in assembly, installation, and testing of instrument components. 

• Analyze experimental hazards and implement mitigating actions. 

• Oversee general instrument operations and collaborate with users on logistics and configurations. 

• Respond to troubleshooting needs, including after-hours or weekends. 

• Provide technical expertise on instrument capabilities and ensure reliable operation of dedicated sample environments. 

• Participate in developing and commissioning new instrument capabilities. 

• Ensure proposals have necessary science, safety, and equipment approvals. 

• Maintain documentation and train users on instrument operation and safety. 

• Assist users with sample preparation and testing. 

• Manage instrument maintenance, including sample environment and consumable inventories. 

• Coordinate sample return/disposal with sample management staff. 

• Prepare the instrument for operating cycles and coordinate preventive maintenance. 

• Maintain instrument documentation and collaborate with public relations for exposure. 

• 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success. 

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• BS degree in chemistry, materials engineering, physics, or related field with at least 2 years of proven experience. 

• General lab experience with sample processing and preparation. 

• Experience with the operation of computer-based instrumentation control systems. 

• Experience performing hands-on work to diagnose and debug technical equipment and systems. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• MS degree or PhD in a relevant field of study. 

• Experience with CAD software. 

• Experience with sample environment systems (such as high pressure, high and low temperature, gas absorption, etc.) and material characteristics in these extreme conditions. 

• Experience with Python or other scripted programming languages. 

• Comprehension of basic thermal neutron scattering instrument techniques and technologies. 

• Basic understanding of typical data acquisition, reduction, and analysis concepts. 

• Proven ability to respond to emergent situations and apply sound judgment in resolving them. 

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams. 

Special Requirements:  

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. 

• In this role you will be required to certify for hoist and rigging operation which requires a yearly physical medical exam. 

• Periods of moderate overtime will be required. You will need to be willing to work outside the normal work schedule, including occasional weekends, with little or no notice. 

• This role may include limited travel opportunities.  

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions. 

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.

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.