Physicist

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

Teledyne FLIR Defense is seeking a theoretical physicist with a nuclear physics background to develop new analysis methods and algorithms for radionuclide identification in nuclear security and safeguards applications, and to enhance existing methods in legacy products. The physicist will also work with the intellectual property team to ensure generated intellectual property is properly protected. The role supports Teledyne FLIR Defense’s technologies for defense and public safety, including surveillance sensors, unmanned vehicles, and devices that detect chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive threats. It involves research and development, modeling and simulation, algorithm validation, collaboration with engineering teams, product and technology assessments, and support for patents and technical publications. Travel may be required for trade shows, training events, and conferences.

Requirements

PhD in theoretical physics or a related field.
Familiarity with data analysis, data modeling, and Monte Carlo simulations.
Experience developing software in Python, C++, C, or MATLAB.
Working knowledge of machine learning.
Experience with isotope identification performance evaluation and test methodologies.
Understanding of nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, homeland security, or defense applications.
Hands-on laboratory experience incorporating radiation detectors, sources, and data acquisition systems.
Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
Team-oriented attitude.
Ability to work responsibly and independently under minimal supervision.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, or refugee, or be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate U.S. Department of State or Commerce export control license.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting DoD, DHS, DOE, NNSA, IAEA, or other nuclear security organizations.
Experience with Geant4, GADRAS, or MCNP.
Record of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or technical conference presentations.

Responsibilities

Maintain current radionuclide identification algorithms and software.
Improve nuclide identification, particularly for shielding and masking scenarios.
Research and develop new radioactive nuclide identification algorithms.
Develop and validate physics-based models for radiation transport, source characterization, and detector response.
Design simulation frameworks for next-generation radiation detection systems.
Perform uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis on detection algorithms.
Collaborate with engineering teams to transition research concepts into deployable products.
Support product roadmap development through technical assessments of emerging technologies.
Participate in verification, validation, and performance testing of new algorithms and detector systems.
Generate invention disclosures and support patent application development.
Assess competitive technologies and prior art.
Contribute to the company's long-term intellectual property strategy.
Generate topical papers for selected conferences, including IEEE and SORMA.
Travel as needed to trade shows, training events, and conferences.