Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional

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

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Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional

We are seeking aMaterials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional in theApplied Materials Analysis Groupin theMaterials Characterization Section, of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, part of the National Security Sciences Directorate Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This role is responsible for managing the lab spaces through ensuring highly specialized equipment is maintained at maximum operability time, including coordination of vendor support and appropriate downtime to reduce impact to research. In addition, this role will manage the documentation and inventory system for the laboratory as well as be the key point of contact for all day to day operations within the lab space. This role also has the availability to support R&D activities as this role will become a SME in the functionality of several specialized instruments. It will become expected that as this role develops, the candidate will begin participation in experimental activities such as setup, sample preparation, routine measurements, and recording data.

This position supports a large, shared laboratory space used by physicists, uranium chemists, and materials scientists. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills to multiple levels of staff so that across these disciplines as well as communication with support staff of facilities, radiological controls, and other environmental, health, and safety personnel.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain operational readiness, including organized space with ready to use instruments of a shared interdisciplinary laboratory
• Manage laboratory inventory, including chemicals, consumables, gases, sample supplies, spare parts, and radioactive materials in compliance with DOE requirements
• Manage and organize incoming research materials and samples
• Maintain equipment logs, maintenance records, standard operating procedures, and other laboratory documentation
• Support compliance with SOPs, ES&H processes, chemical hazard tracking, and laboratory safety requirements
• Assist with proper waste handling and hazardous material management in accordance with internal procedures
• Assist scientists with experimental setup, sample preparation, routine measurements, and recording data
• Prepare materials, reagents, and equipment for ongoing research efforts
• Record and organize experimental data and observations accurately
• Provide technical support across multiple scientific disciplines
• Contribute to technical reports, journal articles, and presentations as needs arise
• Troubleshoot routine laboratory and instrumentation issues independently and elevate more complex problems when needed

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, geochemistry/geoscience, or another instrumentation-intensive scientific discipline
• 1-2 years of experience active participation in a laboratory in academic research or similar technical environment
• Familiarity with complex scientific instrumentation and general laboratory operations
• Experience following standard operating procedures and laboratory safety practices
• Ability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic research environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• A MS degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• Experience working in a shared or interdisciplinary laboratory
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and vendor/service coordination
• Experience maintaining laboratory records, safety documentation, and chemical hazard tracking systems
• Exposure to advanced analytical or materials characterization instrumentation
• Experience with handling radiological materials or relevant radiological worker training
• Ability to work independently on routine troubleshooting and day-to-day laboratory support tasks
• Proactive and willing to take ownership of laboratory needs
• Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
• Strong team-oriented work ethic able to jump in and help the team accomplish collective goals
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with or exposure to one or more of the following is highly desirable: SEM/EDS, Raman spectroscopy, PPMS, GC-MS, evolved gas analysis, pyrolysis techniques, X-ray diffraction, Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, Atomic force microscopy, Radiological materials handling

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintaina 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 andretainindividuals whodemonstrateexceptional work behaviors. The laboratoryprovidesa 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.

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.