Technical Staff Member - Isotope Production Analytical Chemist Transuranium Analytical Laboratory

About the role

We are seeking a Technical Staff Member who will serve as a Technical Lead focusing on the Transuranium Analytical Laboratory’s (TAL) performance of a full range of radiochemical analyses, including sample preparations and chemical separations, for our nuclear and isotope programs. This position resides in the TAL group within the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) section in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will support advanced radiochemical operations for isotopic characterizations on samples containing radiological constituents from environmental levels to high levels of radioactivity. Your work will support ORNL scientific staff conducting research and chemical operations associated with the production and purification of radioisotopes and R&D for nuclear fuels.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Lead on the radiochemical analysis of high-activity samples and high-level nuclear operations conducted at the TAL in support of isotope production campaigns.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior technical professionals and technicians performing sample preparations and chemical separations for radiochemical determinations of nuclear materials.
• Work independently and supervise junior staff in performing established laboratory procedures for titrations, dissolutions, dilutions, and separations of high-activity samples in preparation for analytical determinations.
• Lead detailed analytical operations in alpha gloveboxes and shielded hot cells, including serving as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Lead on all high-risk respirator glovebox bagging operations at the TAL.
• Serve as the Alternate MBAR, Alternate RMIS Custodian, HMIS Custodian, and/or Analytical Hot Cell Custodian.
• Operate and supervise the use of radiochemistry analytical instrumentation, including NMC and Protean gas flow proportional counters, Canberra 4100/4200 gas flow proportional counters, Perkin Elmer 5110R liquid scintillation counter, BF3 neutron detector, and Windows-based alpha and gamma ray spectrometry systems (Canberra Genie-2K/ORTEC Alphavision & Gammavision) utilizing HPGe and Silicon Surface Barrier detectors.
• Perform laboratory tests to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures, and author updates or new procedures based on test results.
• Lead and participate in planning laboratory workflow, including establishing priorities within and between projects, and determining the direction of laboratory efforts for experiments, tests, and analyses.
• Collaborate in the development of new analytical methodologies and instrumentation.
• Present developed work at professional conferences or in peer-reviewed journals.
• Obtain and maintain all ORNL training requirements for a radiation worker performing analytical work in designated radiological facilities.
• Utilize Windows-based personal computers for instrumentation operation, data reporting, analytical calculations, and sample management.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Requirements

• BS in chemistry, biology, environmental science, engineering, or related discipline.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in a science discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience utilizing high-level nuclear operations protocols and completing high-activity radiochemistry analytical techniques in hot cells, gloveboxes, and radiological hoods.
• Possess Rad Worker II qualification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience working in C-zone laboratories, gloveboxes, and shielded hot cells.
• Experience with the operation of radiochemistry analytical instrumentation, including NMC and Protean gas flow proportional counters, Canberra 4100/4200 gas flow proportional counters, Perkin Elmer 5110R liquid scintillation counter, BF3 neutron detector, and Windows-based alpha and gamma ray spectrometry systems (Canberra Genie-2K/ORTEC Alphavision & Gammavision) utilizing HPGe and Silicon Surface Barrier detectors.
• Expertise with sample preparation methodology used in isotopic and elemental characterizations.
• Proven ability to work safely in accordance with ES&H standards and procedures.
• High attention to detail.
• Familiarity with TAL SOPs, Analytical Methods, and Work Aids.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in high-level nuclear operations, TAL containment systems, TAL radiochemistry instrumentation, and TAL analytical protocols.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy.
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position; passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program are required.
• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions; a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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
• Flexible work hours