NDA Scientist

About the role

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Scientist in the Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group within the Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.

Purpose

Provide NDA Research and Development (R&D) leadership to the Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group thereby strategically advancing science and technology consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL
• Author and/or co-author technical S&T documents
• Engage in program development activities through sponsor engagements, preparation of proposals and white papers, chairing and participation in workshops, as well as other program development activities
• Develop new engineering algorithms and/or write components of new software tools
• Co-author and contribute to various proposals/grants
• Provide technical leadership within the context of project in support of international safeguards
• Actively participate in relevant professional organizations
• Participate in field deployment of software or hardware
• Perform independent and impactful R&D
• Identifies and cultivates professional relationships with direct sponsors and potential collaborators
• Support the development and implementation of group/section plans to leverage new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures such as the Research Code of Conduct and the Safe Conduct of Research Principles

Basic Qualifications

• Requires a Ph.D. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of one-year relevant experience, a M.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 7 years of experience, or a B.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience.
• Focus on nondestructive assay for nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards applications
• Demonstrated R&D experience in NDA and/or other areas relevant to the nondestructive analysis measurement science and technology group.
• Basic knowledge of S&T challenges associated with nonproliferation and nuclear material measurements.
• Working knowledge of MCNP
• Demonstrated teaching experience in safeguards technical areas
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong commitment to a teaming environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient knowledge of liquid scintillation detectors such as EJ-309
• Demonstrated experience with neutron detection related to spent fuel measurements
• Proficient knowledge of MCNP-Polimi
• Working knowledge of GADRAS
• Working knowledge of computational tools like C#, Python, or MATLAB
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing measurement campaigns
• Demonstrated experience with customer engagement, preferably with relevant offices within DOE and NNSA.
• Working knowledge of the traditional and advanced nuclear fuel cycles and associated technologies and operations (advanced reactors such as MSRs)
• Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).