Nuclear Materials Scientist, Intermediate

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Savannah River National Laboratory’s Nuclear Measurements Group seeks experienced analytical chemist/electrochemist/radiochemist/nuclear scientist to support our analytical services and conduct research and development in our Laboratories. The successful candidate would provide expertise in quantitative dissolution as well as analysis of nuclear material utilizing several electrochemical techniques including coulometry and high precision titration. Preferred disciplines are Analytical Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, Radiochemistry, or Physics, but applicants having related disciplines will be considered. The candidate will be expected to: Lead and support work applying these measurement techniques to a wide variety of complex sample matrices in the DOE Complex. Provide accurate, detailed, and timely written updates and reports associated with work scope. Expand current scope via leading or supporting applicable proposals. Author or co-author peer-reviewed publications highlighting their work. Specifically, this role will require one to: Perform precise and accurate determinations of plutonium and neptunium assay by control potential coulometry. Perform precise and accurate determinations of uranium assay by control high precision titration. Perform preparation of standard solutions, including dissolution of uranium, neptunium and plutonium metal and oxides. Perform gravimetric dilution of standard solutions. Compile information/data from numerous instruments and laboratories to determine analytes of interest. Support radioanalytical separations and analyses for numerous isotopes using column extraction, solvent-solvent extraction, and nuclear counting methods.

Requirements

BS + 4-6 years; MS + 3-5 years; PhD + 2-4 years relevant work experience in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, or physics (or related field).
Have the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance for which U.S. citizenship is legally required.
Must be able to perform work in radiological environments requiring protective equipment such as respirators.
Positive teamwork
A willingness to problem-solve
Personal/professional accountability
Productive technical interfaces with customers, SRNL researchers, and management

Nice To Haves

Familiarity or experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
Electrochemical techniques
Nuclear decay processes
Accurate gravimetric analysis
Quantitative analytical processes including performing dilutions, preparing spikes, and preparing QC standards
Radioactive material handling
Statistical and uncertainty evaluations
Working in and maintaining a radiological glovebox
Nuclear material accountancy

Responsibilities

Initiation and support of proposals to apply techniques to the to the wide variety of complex sample matrices found in the DOE complex
Development and application of technical experience and other technical resources in SRNL and external resources to resolve complex problems
Establishing excellent technical credibility by contributing toward meeting department missions and goals, which may be demonstrated by issuing reports, making presentations, preparing peer-reviewed technical articles and patents, and /or being involved in national technical organizations.
Procedure development
Safety documentation
Personnel training
Procurement
Installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation and associated support equipment.
Provide quality analytical results in a timely and safe manner
Provide timely solutions to research or analytical process problems