Stable Isotope Processing Chemist (Technical Assistant Staff Member)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

81d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist who will focus on chemical operations associated with the post-enrichment recovery and chemical conversion of stable isotopes spanning across the periodic table. As stewards of the Nation’s Repository of Stable Isotopes, we innovate techniques to minimize losses and maximize yields while transforming these precious isotopically enriched materials. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including conducting basic scientific research, curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring national security. This position resides in Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED supports the nation by conducting research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technologies. SIMC supports pre-enrichment preparations of feedstocks and post-enrichment processing and fabrication of custom physical forms needed to support the user communities. You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on challenging, milestone driven technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE mission areas. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Success requires acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

Requirements

A BS degree in Chemistry or a closely related technical discipline
Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work
Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses

Nice To Haves

Physical dexterity to handle small quantities of exotic and expensive materials
Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation
Ability to solve basic research problems
Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory

Responsibilities

Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss.
Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product.
Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques.
Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.
Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
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.