Radiochemist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research and development staff scientist for its radiochemistry/radiochemical engineering program. This role supports the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, as well as extensive isotope production programs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration. The position offers the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials in established and emerging radioisotope production programs, and to advance the development of novel separations, analytical techniques, and isotope applications. The position resides within the Process Coordination Group of the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD), which utilizes unique ORNL facilities like the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) for producing various radioisotopes for medical, scientific, and industrial uses. These include isotopes for cancer treatment, fundamental chemistry research, neutron emitting applications, space exploration, and industrial applications.

Requirements

PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related field, and five years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated work experience with radiological and/or accountable nuclear materials, including appropriate radiological and nuclear material handling work controls.
Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills.
Ability to work within a rapidly-changing multidisciplinary environment.
Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following technical areas: Metal extraction capabilities using liquid-liquid and solid-liquid separation systems, Solid state characterization of actinide materials, F-element chemistry, Automated chemistry separations, High Pressure Ion Chromatography, Radioactive gas trapping and recovery.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a wide range of analytical techniques.
Experience with a wide range of chemical separations.
Experience writing proposals and soliciting funding for research and development activities.

Responsibilities

Conduct applied research and development activities to increase efficiency of current isotope production, enable new radioisotope availability, and develop new ways of managing radioisotope production bi-products.
Support existing DOE Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production programs and submit proposals for competitively funded research.
Train to serve as a subject matter expert for all aspects of the Cf-252 production program chemical processing flowsheet.
Develop processing work plans for the separation, purification, and preparation of radioisotope products.
Interact effectively with technical and operations staff to safely execute work within a highly regulated facility.
Provide guidance to chemical processing operations carried out in hot cell facilities.
Conduct hands-on radiochemical processing in a benchtop, fume hood, or glove box environment.
Provide imaginative, thorough solutions to a wide range of complex, ambiguous, and/or difficult problems.
Present results at conferences and publish results in peer reviewed journals and internal manuscripts.
Commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct.