Group Leader-REDC Laboratory Chemical Operations

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a senior technical leader for the REDC Laboratory Chemical Operations group to manage a team of engineers and technicians in producing radioisotopes within a nuclear facility. The role includes meeting cost, schedule, and performance targets and guiding process improvements in Ac-225 production and related materials.

The position requires a BS in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with at least eight years of related experience, strong leadership,

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience developing schedules and work plans for complex projects.
• Experience with chemical processing techniques such as solvent extraction and ion exchange.
• Experience reading radioanalytical data such as gamma, alpha, and mass spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians to produce radioisotopes in a nuclear facility.
• Meet cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
• Maintain procedures for routine processing and detailed records.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Scheduling

Reading radioanalytical data

Chemical processing techniques

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Job description

Group Leader-REDC Laboratory Chemical Operations

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a senior technical leader for our world class radioisotope production program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, this position will grant you the opportunity to produce life-saving medical radioisotopes and work with rare nuclear materials within the nuclear facilities in the Melton Valley area of the ORNL campus.

The Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC) Laboratory Chemical Operations (LCO) group resides within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at ORNL. IPMD is focused on the reliable delivery of radioisotope products to reach quality standards. This work is performed within the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and several radiological and nuclear facilities throughout the ORNL campus containing shielded hot cells and gloveboxes. The primary isotope manufactured within the REDC LCO group is actinium-225 (Ac-225), an alpha emitting isotope deployed in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. Other isotopes processed in the group include heavy actinides berkelium, einsteinium, and fermium, used for research in nuclear physics and heavy element chemistry, and a variety of high purity actinides which are purified and dispensed from legacy sources.

In this role, you will work with a multifunctional team to improve and maintain our production processes to ensure ORNL successfully meets our mission to supply critical nuclear materials for science, medicine, and industry.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• The group leader is responsible for leading and managing a team of engineers and technicians to produce radioisotopes within a nuclear facility.
• Lead a team of 6-10 technicians and engineers to meet radioisotope production requirements.
• Meet cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
• Work with the manufacturing coordinator for thorium-229 derived Ac-225, to execute the routine processing of Ac-225 to the quality standards of the Drug Master File.
• Support the Production Medical Isotope Program Manager in overseeing the legacy material inventory and dispensing portfolio.
• Work with project management and controls to maintain the resource‑loaded schedule.
• Manage program management requests for new dispensing or material processing.
• Maintain procedures for routine processing.
• Maintain detailed records relating to nuclear materials processing.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with nuclear facility operations requirements.
• Support research and development groups in translating developmental work into robust manufacturing processes.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and optimization.
• Develop and execute on‑the‑job training programs for processing teams.
• Provide mentoring and career guidance to early career staff.
• 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:

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar field, and a minimum of eight years of related experience is required. A comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience with chemical processing techniques such as solvent extraction and ion exchange.
• Experience reading radioanalytical data such as gamma, alpha, and mass spectroscopy.
• Experience developing schedules and work plans for complex projects.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with current Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience in a radiochemical operations environment.
• Experience executing or supervising work in a remote hot cell environment.
• Experience translating research and development processes into reliable manufacturing operations. Experience in maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality control and assurance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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 within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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 the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED):

Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers.

Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

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.

Benefits at ORNL:

UT-Battelle offers a quality benefits package, including a matching 401(k), contributory pension plan, paid vacation, and medical/dental plan options. Onsite amenities include a credit union, medical clinic, cafeteria, and fitness facilities.

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
• Employee Discounts

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.

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.