Isotope Labeling Chemist- Associate Technical Professional

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

30d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Technical Professional (TP) to support the synthesis, characterization, and deployment of isotope-labeled molecules, including deuterated and other isotopically enriched compounds, for neutron scattering and nanoscience research. This position is jointly supported by the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) and the Neutron Scattering Division (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), providing a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading user programs in nanoscience, materials synthesis, and neutron scattering. The successful candidate will reside within the Macromolecular Nanomaterials Group in CNMS and will work closely with scientists, technical staff, and users across both organizations to develop isotope-labeled molecular systems that enable cutting-edge research in soft matter, energy materials, quantum materials, and biological systems. In addition to synthetic chemistry responsibilities, the Technical Professional will play a key role in the operation and stewardship of laboratory capabilities supporting isotope-labeling research. Responsibilities include maintaining and troubleshooting synthetic and analytical instrumentation, developing and documenting laboratory procedures, supporting safe laboratory operations, and providing hands-on training to staff and users. The candidate will help ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of chemical synthesis and characterization facilities while fostering a collaborative and service-oriented research environment. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a highly collaborative team environment and will be motivated by enabling scientific discoveries through partnerships with researchers from universities, industry, and national laboratories. They will contribute to scientific milestones associated with user projects, thematic research efforts, and strategic scientific campaigns that leverage the complementary capabilities of CNMS and the Neutron Scattering Division. Through these activities, the successful candidate will help advance ORNL’s mission of delivering transformative science through world-class user facilities.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in organic synthesis and molecular characterization techniques.

Nice To Haves

A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
Experience in the synthesis and purification of deuterated lipids, deuterated sterols, and deuterated organic solvents (low boiling point) is considered a strong advantage.
Expertise in multi-step organic synthesis, including monomer synthesis, biomolecule synthesis, and functional material synthesis.
Experience in the design and synthesis of isotope-labeled molecules, particularly deuterated compounds.
Familiarity with scale-up synthesis, air- and moisture-sensitive reactions, and isotopic purity analysis is considered a strong advantage.
Hands-on experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as NMR, IR, LC-MS, and GC-MS for complex organic molecules, especially isotope-labeled systems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a strong publication record.
Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively within multidisciplinary collaborative teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Responsibilities

Design, synthesize, purify, and scale deuterated and other isotopically labeled molecules to support neutron scattering, nanoscience, and materials research programs.
Characterize isotope-labeled compounds using advanced analytical techniques and maintain high standards of data quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
Collaborate with scientists, technical staff, and external users across the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and the Neutron Scattering Division to develop materials and samples that enable high-impact scientific research.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot synthetic and analytical instrumentation; develop and implement laboratory procedures that ensure reliable and efficient facility operations.
Train and mentor staff, users, students, and visiting researchers in the safe and effective use of synthetic chemistry laboratories, analytical instrumentation, and associated research methodologies.
Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, user proposals, and presentations by effectively communicating research results and collaborating within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
Support user projects, thematic research efforts, and strategic scientific campaigns by delivering high-quality technical expertise, samples, and research outcomes on schedule.
Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, health, security, quality assurance, and operational requirements while promoting a strong culture of laboratory safety and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate a commitment to ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service through professional conduct, scientific excellence, and effective collaboration.