Isotope Labeling Chemist- Associate Technical Professional

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle, operating the ORNL facility, seeks a Technical Professional to design, synthesize, and characterize isotope-labeled molecules for neutron scattering and nanoscience research.

You will work with CNMS and NScD teams to develop materials and samples, operate analytical instrumentation, and ensure safe, efficient lab operations in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in organic synthesis and molecular characterization.
• PhD in related field preferred.
• Experience in synthesis of deuterated lipids, sterols, and deuterated solvents is advantageous.
• Expertise in isotope-labeled molecules and multi-step organic synthesis.
• Familiarity with scale-up synthesis and air/moisture-sensitive reactions is advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with NMR, IR, LC-MS, GC-MS for complex molecules.
• Strong publication record and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and scale deuterated and isotopically labeled molecules for neutron scattering and nanoscience programs.
• Characterize isotope-labeled compounds using analytical techniques; ensure data quality and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with CNMS and NScD teams to develop materials for research.
• Operate and troubleshoot synthesis/analytical instrumentation; document procedures.
• Train staff and users in safe lab practices and methodologies.
• Contribute to publications, reports, and user proposals.

Skills

Isotope labeling

Deuterated synthesis

Analytical methods

Scale-up synthesis

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Organic/Polymer Chemistry or Materials Science

Tools

NMR

IR

LC-MS

GC-MS

Job description

OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated Technical Professional (TP) to support the synthesis, characterization, and deployment of isotope-labeled molecules, including deuterated and other isotopically enriched compounds, for neutron scattering and nanoscience research. This position is jointly supported by the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) and the Neutron Scattering Division (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), providing a unique opportunity to contribute to world-leading user programs in nanoscience, materials synthesis, and neutron scattering. The successful candidate will reside within the Macromolecular Nanomaterials Group in CNMS and will work closely with scientists, technical staff, and users across both organizations to develop isotope-labeled molecular systems that enable cutting-edge research in soft matter, energy materials, quantum materials, and biological systems. In addition to synthetic chemistry responsibilities, the Technical Professional will play a key role in the operation and stewardship of laboratory capabilities supporting isotope-labeling research. Responsibilities include maintaining and troubleshooting synthetic and analytical instrumentation, developing and documenting laboratory procedures, supporting safe laboratory operations, and providing hands-on training to staff and users. The candidate will help ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of chemical synthesis and characterization facilities while fostering a collaborative and service-oriented research environment. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a highly collaborative team environment and will be motivated by enabling scientific discoveries through partnerships with researchers from universities, industry, and national laboratories. They will contribute to scientific milestones associated with user projects, thematic research efforts, and strategic scientific campaigns that leverage the complementary capabilities of CNMS and the Neutron Scattering Division. Through these activities, the successful candidate will help advance ORNL’s mission of delivering transformative science through world-class user facilities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, purify, and scale deuterated and other isotopically labeled molecules to support neutron scattering, nanoscience, and materials research programs.
• Characterize isotope-labeled compounds using advanced analytical techniques and maintain high standards of data quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with scientists, technical staff, and external users across the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and the Neutron Scattering Division to develop materials and samples that enable high-impact scientific research.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot synthetic and analytical instrumentation; develop and implement laboratory procedures that ensure reliable and efficient facility operations.
• Train and mentor staff, users, students, and visiting researchers in the safe and effective use of synthetic chemistry laboratories, analytical instrumentation, and associated research methodologies.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, user proposals, and presentations by effectively communicating research results and collaborating within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Support user projects, thematic research efforts, and strategic scientific campaigns by delivering high-quality technical expertise, samples, and research outcomes on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, health, security, quality assurance, and operational requirements while promoting a strong culture of laboratory safety and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service through professional conduct, scientific excellence, and effective collaboration.

Basic Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in organic synthesis and molecular characterization techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Experience in the synthesis and purification of deuterated lipids, deuterated sterols, and deuterated organic solvents (low boiling point) is considered a strong advantage.
• Expertise in multi-step organic synthesis, including monomer synthesis, biomolecule synthesis, and functional material synthesis.
• Experience in the design and synthesis of isotope-labeled molecules, particularly deuterated compounds.
• Familiarity with scale-up synthesis, air- and moisture-sensitive reactions, and isotopic purity analysis is considered a strong advantage.
• Hands-on experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as NMR, IR, LC-MS, and GC-MS for complex organic molecules, especially isotope-labeled systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a strong publication record.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively within multidisciplinary collaborative teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Special Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

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.