Scientific Associate II

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Scientific Associate II who will focus on providing scientific operations support for NSE – the Neutron Spin Echo beamline, which is a high-resolution time-of-flight neutron spectrometer for characterizing the slow dynamics of soft condensed matter. This position resides in the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Science Support Group 1 in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In this role, you will provide technical support and guidance to the scientific staff and user community, while serving as the primary point of contact for operations support staff. As part of the NSE instrument team, you will support researchers from all over the world through effective instrument operation and troubleshooting, with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research utilizing neutron scattering. For more information, visit https://neutrons.ornl.gov/nse.

Requirements

BS degree in biology, chemistry, materials engineering, physics, engineering or related field with at least 2 years of proven experience.
General lab experience with sample processing and preparation.
Experience with the operation of computer-based instrumentation control systems.
Experience performing hands-on work to diagnose and debug technical equipment and systems.

Nice To Haves

MS degree or PhD in a relevant field of study.
Experience with CAD software.
Stewardship of laboratory components, materials and tools, incorporating good housekeeping and preventative maintenance practices.
Proven ability to respond to emergent situations and apply sound judgment in resolving them.
Basic understanding of typical data acquisition, reduction, and analysis concepts.
Experience with sample environment systems (such as mechanical testing, high and low temperature, gas absorption, etc.) and material characteristics in these extreme conditions.
Experience with Python or other scripted programming languages.
Comprehension of basic thermal neutron scattering instrument techniques and technologies.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction to craft and technical teams and support staff scientists and user groups in developing system requirements, test plans, and operations documentation for the instrument.
Lead project management and systems engineering activities, including assembly, installation, and testing of instrument components, and participate in developing and commissioning new instrument capabilities.
Oversee general instrument operations, provide technical expertise on instrument capabilities, respond to troubleshooting needs (including after-hours/weekends), and assist users with sample preparation, installation, and logistics.
Manage instrument maintenance and sample environment/consumable inventories, coordinate preventive maintenance and preparation for operating cycles, and coordinate sample return/disposal with sample management staff.
Analyze experimental hazards and implement mitigating actions; ensure proposals have necessary science, safety, and equipment approvals; and maintain documentation and train users on instrument operation and safety.
As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.