Chemist- R&D Associate

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading national laboratory where you can contribute to groundbreaking research in nuclear programs and medical isotopes. As a Chemist/R&D Associate, you'll have the opportunity to explore innovative methodologies and collaborate with a team of dedicated scientists. This position offers a dynamic work environment and the chance to engage in impactful research that addresses critical national challenges. With competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, this role is perfect for motivated individuals looking to make a difference in the scientific community.

Benefits

Medical and Retirement Plans

Flexible Work Hours

On-site Fitness Facilities

Employee Discounts

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Generous Vacation and Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related discipline required.
• Experience in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute analytical measurements to meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with scientists in a fast-paced research environment.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Mass Spectrometry

Chemical Characterization Techniques

Statistical Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

Analytical Instrumentation

ISO17025 Standards

Job description

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is currently seeking applications for the role of a Chemist / R&D Associate Staff Member to contribute to our research programs in support of safeguards, nonproliferation, medical isotope and various nuclear programs. The position provides an opportunity to conduct new research of novel methods, exploring hybrid analyses methodologies, novel chemical separations, and/or new sample introduction systems.

This is an evergreen position. We are continually reviewing applications to fill potential openings as they arise. Apply today to be part of our dynamic environment!

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Independently plan, design, and execute analytical measurements with rigor required to meet stringent quality requirements.
• Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Contribute to the initiation of new research directions and formulating research proposals aimed at securing internal and external funding opportunities.
• Foster effective science communication both inside and outside the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, chemistry, radiochemistry, cosmochemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications:

Research experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Analytical chemistry, particularly in wet chemistry and instrumentation.
• Thermochemical measurements at high temperatures: heat capacity, thermal analysis, viscosity, interfacial tension, thermal conductivity, vapor pressure, and their relationships to the thermophysical properties of mixtures.
• Chemical thermodynamics and experimental measurements (enthalpies, vapor pressures, melting points and phase diagrams).
• Solid, liquid, and gas sample introduction systems and/or instrumentation for inorganic measurements.
• Chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses.
• Mass spectrometry.
• Neutron/X-ray scattering, vibrational spectroscopy, and computational chemistry for materials characterization.
• The nuclear fuel cycle and associated technologies and operations.
• Inorganic molten salts and/or air-sensitive materials at high temperatures.
• Uranium chemistry, particularly chemical conversion and separations processes pertaining to the production of engineered forms of uranium and uranium compounds used across the uranium fuel cycle.
• Experience handling hazardous gases and experience with transloading gaseous materials .
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks on time and adapt to evolving needs.
• Experience working in ISO17025 accredited laboratory setting.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation operations and troubleshooting.
• Experience performing data analyses and review under standard operating procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Experience translating R&D activities to analytical protocols.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, uncertainty terms and quality objectives. Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Special Requirement:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.