Research Operations Support Professional

About the role

We are seeking an operations support professional to meet expanding needs for operational excellence in support of the ORNL cutting-edge scientific research mission. This position will work as part of an integrated team responsible for operations and facility management tasks associated with work control and facility operations in support of science and engineering activities. The role provides operational and project management support to research staff to maintain compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, DOE Orders, and ORNL policies and procedures regarding work control, space utilization, and facility operations management.

This position resides in the Integrated Research Operations Support group in the Work Management Division (WMD) and will be matrixed to support the Chemicals Sciences Division (CSD) of the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Division work control point-of-contact (POC)/Work Planner for work control documents for hazard identification and control (e.g., Research Safety Summaries (RSSs), Activity Plans, activity-based hazard analysis (ABHA)). Coordinate work control reviews to ensure sufficient peer and subject matter expert (SME) review and timely approval and authorization.
• Facilitate completion of operational activities required through the work control process or as requested by researchers to enable research objectives in a safe and compliant manner.
• Act as a Facilities Operations Manager (FOM) for select facilities to ensure maintenance within facility use agreement boundaries, submission of facility work orders/statements of work to support research objectives, compliance with approved lease agreements, efficient space utilization, access control, and emergency preparedness.
• Serve as a Hazardous Materials Management representative to assist research staff with maintaining, organizing, and reconciling chemical inventories.
• Abide by and promote the Battelle Safe Conduct of Research principles, including personal responsibility for safety, raising safety concerns, using a questioning attitude, and continuous learning.
• Seek ways to increase operational efficiencies and improve safety culture in support of the research mission, championing relevant initiatives.
• Coordinate facility operations and prioritize infrastructure improvements.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• A BS/BA degree in a science, engineering, health and safety, operational discipline, or relevant technical field (e.g., chemical/physical sciences, health and safety, industrial hygiene, environmental management, project management, engineering, operations).
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant technical work experience in operations, research, quality, or related fields.

Qualifications

• Experience with software platforms such as SharePoint, Power BI, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working as a team player in a dynamic, multi-discipline, multi-task, and integrated organizational environment, interfacing with management, researchers, facility users/visitors, and operations staff.
• Experience in a multi-disciplinary R&D environment or supporting industrial, radiological, nuclear, or secure facilities and operations.
• Knowledge of chemical/material identification and evaluation, hazard analysis, and exposure assessment activities.
• Demonstrated excellence in leadership, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience with work control processes in a research and development or industrial environment.
• Ability to work independently under pressure with strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet inflexible deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
• Experience with DOE systems and ORNL systems such as the Research Hazard Analysis and Control System, Integrated Safety Management, SAMS, the Facility Service Center, and the Hazardous Material Management Information System.

Special Requirements

• A pre-hire physical will be required after an offer is made due to the physical demands and working conditions of the role.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge, including a favorable post-employment background investigation (Federal Tier 1). This includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year (marijuana and cannabis derivatives are included, regardless of state laws).
• A Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required for employment at ORNL.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness programs and educational assistance.
• Relocation assistance and employee discounts.
• Flexible work hours and on-site amenities such as fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team consists of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals. We aim to create an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is a top choice for employment. These principles support our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.