Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle, operator of ORNL, seeks a Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional in Oak Ridge, TN. The role will manage a shared lab space, maintain complex instruments, and coordinate vendor support while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position involves preparing samples, performing routine measurements, recording data, and supporting R&D activities as SME for several instruments. Strong communication across disciplines is essential.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Maintain operational readiness of a shared interdisciplinary laboratory with ready-to-use instruments
• Manage laboratory inventory including chemicals, gases, samples, spare parts, and radioactive materials in DOE-compliant manner
• Organize incoming research materials and samples
• Maintain equipment logs, SOPs, and lab documentation
• Support SOP, ES&H processes, chemical hazard tracking, and safety requirements
• Assist scientists with experimental setup, sample prep, routine measurements, and data recording
• Record and organize experimental data and observations accurately
• Provide technical support across multiple scientific disciplines
• Contribute to technical reports, journal articles, and presentations as needed
• Troubleshoot routine lab and instrumentation issues and escalate complex problems

Skills

Strong written/verbal communication

Priority management

Team-oriented

Organizational skills

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/physics/materials science/engineering/geoscience

Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

SEM/EDS

Raman spectroscopy

PPMS

GC-MS

X-ray diffraction

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction

FTIR

Atomic force microscopy

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a

Requisition Id 17154

Overview

We are seeking a Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional in the Applied Materials Analysis Group in the Materials 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 effortsRecord 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 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.

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.