NDA Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Scientist in the Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group within the Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. The Safeguards and Treaty Verification Section focuses on enhancing scientific concepts, strategies, and technologies that will strengthen the capabilities of USG and international regimes (e.g., the IAEA and partner countries) to safeguard and secure nuclear material, commodities, and technologies from proliferation, improve nuclear safety systems, and enhance treaty verification. The Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group focuses on research, development, and application of nondestructive assay systems, data acquisition technologies and analysis methods that support international safeguards, material control and accounting, operational safety for material processing, and nuclear material security protocols. Provide NDA Research and Development (R&D) leadership to the Nondestructive Measurement Science and Technology Group thereby strategically advancing science and technology consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture. The R&D Associate applies knowledge and skills to projects in nuclear nonproliferation areas with the primary goals of building professional expertise, supporting the growth of the group, and developing skill sets that help establish ORNL as a world class institute. This position reports to the Group Leader and works closely with senior staff to implement the scientific vision of the team; help establish technical capabilities that move ORNL to the forefront of science and technology; perform R&D tasks to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in nondestructive assay; set, implement, and model standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensure an inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community. The National Security Sciences Directorate conducts research and development to confront some of the nation’s most difficult security challenges and adversaries. In addition to nuclear nonproliferation, our directorate also houses science and technology (S&T) leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory’s exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other S&T areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, nuclear fuel cycle and reactor systems, modern nuclear instrumentation and controls, applied materials, advanced manufacturing and intelligent systems, biosecurity, transportation, modeling and simulation, and computing. Our multi-disciplinary research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk.

Requirements

Requires a Ph.D. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of one-year relevant experience, a M.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 7 years of experience, or a B.S. in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience.
Focus on nondestructive assay for nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards applications
Demonstrated R&D experience in NDA and/or other areas relevant to the nondestructive analysis measurement science and technology group.
Basic knowledge of S&T challenges associated with nonproliferation and nuclear material measurements.
Working knowledge of MCNP
Demonstrated teaching experience in safeguards technical areas
Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong commitment to a teaming environment.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

Proficient knowledge of liquid scintillation detectors such as EJ-309
Demonstrated experience with neutron detection related to spent fuel measurements
Proficient knowledge of MCNP-Polimi
Working knowledge of GADRAS
Working knowledge of computational tools like C#, Python, or MATLAB
Demonstrated experience planning and executing measurement campaigns
Demonstrated experience with customer engagement, preferably with relevant offices within DOE and NNSA.
Working knowledge of the traditional and advanced nuclear fuel cycles and associated technologies and operations (advanced reactors such as MSRs)
Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).

Responsibilities

Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL
Author and/or co-author technical S&T documents
Engage in program development activities through sponsor engagements, preparation of proposals and white papers, chairing and participation in workshops, as well as other program development activities
Develop new engineering algorithms and/or write components of new software tools
Co-author and contribute to various proposals/grants
Provide technical leadership within the context of project in support of international safeguards
Actively participate in relevant professional organizations
Participate in field deployment of software or hardware
Perform independent and impactful R&D
Identifies and cultivates professional relationships with direct sponsors and potential collaborators
Support the development and implementation of group/section plans to leverage new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts
Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures such as the Research Code of Conduct and the Safe Conduct of Research Principles