Technical Professional - Fuel Fabrication and Characterization

Requisition Id 12857 

Overview: 

The ORNL Advanced Fuel Fabrication and Instrumentation Group is looking for a highly-motivated individual to join their research team working on development and qualification of nuclear fuels. We are seeking applicants with experience in the synthesis, processing, and characterization of ceramic materials for nuclear fuel applications.  The successful candidate will produce ceramic compounds of controlled composition and structure using ceramic processing techniques and characterize them using both traditional techniques as well as more advanced or developmental approaches.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science 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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Implement and develop advanced fabrication methods to produce nuclear fuel specimens for separate effect tests.

• Utilize advanced characterization techniques to measure thermophysical and thermomechanical properties as a function of (for example) composition and microstructure.

• Interface with staff from various disciplines to setup and troubleshoot instruments, including training staff and writing standard operating procedures.

• Write research safety summaries and radiological work permits.

• Design and set up radiological lab spaces for the sample preparation and characterization.

• Contribute to publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel materials.

• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.

• 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 MS in nuclear engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related field + 4 years of relevant experience, or

• A BS in nuclear engineering, materials science, chemistry  or a related field + 6 years of relevant experience

• Experience with fabrication and characterization of nuclear fuel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing research at a United States Department of Energy national laboratory nuclear or radiological facility.

• Experience with advanced ceramic fabrication and processing methods, including spark plasma sintering, hot isostatic pressing, and sol-gel.

• Experience with post-irradiation examination methods.

• Strong background in nuclear materials science with a focus on nuclear fuel materials and performance as evidenced by prior work and publications.

• Knowledge of material control and accountability policies and procedures for nuclear material.

• Knowledge and experience with nuclear quality assurance programs.

• Experience with maintaining and organizing laboratory space.

• Must have excellent English language oral and written communication skills to support regular interactions with fellow technical and research staff and help prepare internal reports and external publications.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.  

• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

• 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 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.