Radioisotope Production Technical Professional

About the role

We are seeking a Radioisotope Processing Technical Professional to support the 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to support isotope production operations. Utilizing the unique capabilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and related radiochemical and nuclear processing facilities, the group supports a variety of projects supplying difficult-to-produce radioisotopes essential for medical, research, and industrial applications. Production of these radioisotopes supports the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies, as well as the needs of private organizations and institutions. Our current focus is on production and processing optimization to grow production capabilities for medical and industrial radioisotopes, including Ra-226, Ac-227, and Th-228.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support isotope production activities in a team environment in a Category III Nuclear Facility; including glovebox and hot cell operations.
• Work directly with nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, and chemical hoods to support isotope production.
• Develop and coordinate production and processing schedules and liaise with Group Lead, R&D SME, and technical staff in support of customer requests.
• Assist Group Lead with strategic planning for implementation of continuous improvement.
• Develop solutions to radioisotope processing and production challenges.
• Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to establish solutions to complex problems.
• Assist and develop quality control and quality assurance documentation as well as procedures in support of isotope production and operation excellence.
• Assist technical staff and other technicians with operations in chemical and radiochemical laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of radioactive and hazardous waste disposal.
• Mentor and train technicians.
• Maintain, review, and track logbooks and batch record documentation.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Requirements

• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline and 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability and hands-on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples, and experience with glove box and/or remote hot cell operations.
• Excellent oral and written communication to enable effective interaction with peers, technical, and non-technical staff.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs, including flexible scheduling to meet production goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wet chemistry operations.
• Experience in quality assurance documentation and good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Experience in isotope production activities and chemical purification techniques.
• Experience using glove boxes and/or hot cell manipulators for isotope production.
• Experience in a production or manufacturing environment with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret data from analytical methods such as gamma-ray spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational management skills.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Work involves various physical requirements including standing for long periods, carrying heavy items, extended use of manipulators, hot and cold environments, as well as other working conditions. A pre-hire physical is required.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. A Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required. All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (marijuana and cannabis derivatives are considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws).

Benefits

• 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
• Employee Discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.