Nonproliferation Data Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a Nonproliferation Data Scientist to join the Data Science and Engineering for Nonproliferation Group in the National Security Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development applying machine learning, statistical modeling, optimization, and data science methods to nuclear nonproliferation challenges.
• Develop, evaluate, and apply data-driven algorithms, selecting appropriate analytical approaches based on problem characteristics, available data, and mission objectives.
• Develop and maintain scientific software and analytic tools that enable advanced data analysis, modeling, and decision support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of domain scientists, software developers, and researchers to integrate advanced analytics into mission applications.
• Design and execute computational studies to assess algorithm performance, quantify uncertainty, and generate actionable insights from complex datasets.
• Communicate research findings through technical reports, publications, presentations, and interactions with sponsors and collaborators.
• Contribute to proposal development, program growth activities, and new research initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related quantitative field; or an MS in one of these disciplines with a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning, statistical analysis, optimization, or related data science techniques to solve complex technical problems.
• Experience developing software for scientific computing, data analysis, or machine learning applications.
• Proficiency in Python and common scientific computing and machine learning libraries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical results to scientific or technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, uncertainty quantification, optimization, or scientific machine learning methods.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate alternative analytical approaches and determine when different algorithms or modeling techniques are most appropriate for a given problem.
• Experience with research software development practices, including version control, testing, reproducibility, and collaborative software engineering.
• Experience with open-source scientific software projects.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing, cloud computing, or large-scale data analytics environments.
• Knowledge of nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, nuclear fuel cycle analysis, remote sensing, or related national security mission areas.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or other research accomplishments.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research environments involving both domain scientists and software developers.
• Familiarity with modern AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or related tools.

Special Requirements

• 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.
• Due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.