Materials Characterization Lab Specialist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional to manage a large, shared lab space and its specialized instruments. The role involves documentation, inventory control, and day‑to‑day operations support for physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.

You will also assist with experimental setup, measurements, and data recording. The ideal candidate will have a BS in a relevant field, 1–2 years in a lab, and familiarity with SOPs and safety;

Qualifications

• BS degree in a scientific discipline with instrumentation emphasis.
• 1–2 years of lab experience in academic research or similar environment.
• Familiarity with complex instrumentation and lab operations.
• Experience following SOPs and safety practices.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic research setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain readiness of shared interdisciplinary lab space and instruments.
• Manage inventory of chemicals, gases, samples, spare parts, and radioactive materials per DOE rules.
• Organize incoming research materials and samples.
• Maintain equipment logs, SOPs, and lab documentation.
• Support ES&H processes, chemical hazard tracking, and safety requirements.
• Assist with waste handling and hazardous material management.
• Help scientists with setup, measurements, and data recording.
• Prepare materials, reagents, and equipment for research.
• Record and organize experimental data and observations.
• Provide cross-disciplinary technical support and contribute to reports.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Instrumentation awareness

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

BS in chemistry/physics/materials science/engineering

MS degree preferred

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional to manage a large, shared lab space and its specialized instruments. The role involves documentation, inventory control, and day‑to‑day operations support for physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.

You will also assist with experimental setup, measurements, and data recording. The ideal candidate will have a BS in a relevant field, 1–2 years in a lab, and familiarity with SOPs and safety;