Stable Isotope Processing Chemist

Requisition Id 13408 

Overview:

ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, with an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,500 people! ORNL’s decadal 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. Come join us and help solve the world's most challenging energy problems!

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist who will focus on chemical operations associated with the post-enrichment recovery and conversion of stable isotopes spanning across the periodic table. This position is part of the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division and serves the nation by advancing enrichment technologies and providing enriched stable isotopes products.  We lead the R&D and production process development for delivering stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission critical applications.

As part of our research and processing team, you will work closely with a focused group of scientists, engineers, and technicians on challenging, fast-paced technical projects and operations in support of the DOE Isotope Program, and specifically associated with the rapidly growing field of stable isotope enrichment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss
• Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product
• Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques
• Support customer requests by converting isotopic material into the preferred chemical forms
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Demonstrate dedication to strong teamwork and a positive culture within the organization
• 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:

• A BS degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline with a minimum of two years of technical experience in a lab research environment. A comparable combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Physical dexterity to handle small quantities of exotic and expensive materials
• Experience in chemical synthesis and conversion
• Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records
• Ability to solve basic research problems

Preferred Qualifications:

• A MS degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline
• Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work
• Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses
• Experience with mass spectrometry
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory

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

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.

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: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet 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.

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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.