Research and Development Associate, Verification Technologies

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Research and Development Associate in Verification Technologies to lead the development of safeguards verification tech for international nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation applications. The role involves analysis, prototype development, and collaboration across ORNL’s NEST and NND divisions.

The position emphasizes independent work, writing technical deliverables, and collaboration with diverse teams to advance nonproliferation efforts and support lab

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a technical field with relevant experience.
• Minimum 2 years in nuclear engineering, safeguards, nonproliferation, modeling, or tech development.
• Knowledge of international safeguards and nonproliferation principles.
• Ability to work independently and deliver on schedule.
• Experience with technical documentation and communicating results.

Responsibilities

• Advance global nuclear nonproliferation efforts through research and technology development.
• Support design, development, testing, and documentation of safeguards technologies for international nuclear safeguards and related nonproliferation applications.
• Conduct analyses to support nonproliferation efforts, focusing on advanced reactor technologies.
• Independently complete assigned technical tasks and solve well-defined problems with guidance as needed.
• Assist with development and evaluation of measurement concepts, algorithms, prototypes, and experimental setups.
• Perform data analysis, develop and document code/models/tools, and interpret results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ORNL to leverage verification capabilities.
• Conduct research and development from concept to implementation and testing.
• Contribute to lab/field testing, test plans, procedures, and documentation.
• Prepare technical deliverables and sponsor communications; assist with proposals and program development.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners under project leadership; maintain safety culture and ORNL values.

Skills

Independent work

Technical communication

Collaboration

Education

MS/PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Data analysis tools

Modeling & simulation

Job description

Research and Development Associate, Verification Technologies

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.

We are seeking a full-time Research and Development Associate specializing in Verification Technologies to lead the development of cutting-edge safeguards verification technologies for international nuclear safeguards. This role will also lead technical analyses related to nuclear nonproliferation, particularly in advanced reactor domains. This position resides in the Verification Technologies Group of the Nonproliferation Engineering Science and Technologies (NEST) Section in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) of the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our team, you will contribute to our group’s mission to develop and implement technologies to verify that nuclear material and associated facilities are being used only for peaceful purposes, thereby strengthening global nuclear nonproliferation efforts.

The Verification Technologies Group specializes in creating innovative verification technology solutions that monitor nuclear materials and facilities across a range of applications, including domestic accountancy, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, bilateral arms control treaties, and various national security initiatives. We have a strong emphasis on the science and engineering of radiation inspection systems including radiation portal monitoring and have established recognized expertise in supporting advanced reactor safeguards and their associated fuel cycles. Additionally, we develop innovative technologies and systems tailored for inspector use and have played a vital role in the deployment of multiple technologies utilized by the IAEA.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Advance global nuclear nonproliferation efforts through innovative scientific research and technology development.
• Support senior technical staff in the design, development, testing, and documentation of safeguards and verification technologies for international nuclear safeguards and related nonproliferation applications.
• Conduct technical analyses both independently and as part of a research team to support nuclear nonproliferation efforts, particularly focusing on advanced reactor technologies.
• Independently complete assigned technical tasks and solve well-defined technical problems using established methods, procedures, and discipline techniques, with guidance from project leadership as needed.
• Assist with development and evaluation of measurement concepts, algorithms, prototypes, and experimental setups (e.g., radiation detection/measurement systems, inspector-use tools, data analysis workflows).
• Perform data analysis, develop and document code, models, or analysis tools as appropriate, and contribute to interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ORNL to leverage scientific capabilities relevant to verification technologies.
• Conduct research and development spanning from proof-of-concept to technology implementation and testing.
• Contribute to laboratory and field-testing activities, including preparation of test plans, execution of procedures, troubleshooting, and maintaining documentation.
• Prepare technical deliverables such as internal documentation, test reports, sponsor briefings, publications, and presentations.
• Contribute to proposal and program development.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team members across ORNL and with external partners under the direction of project leadership.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and uphold ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• 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:

• MS or PhD in nuclear engineering, physics, applied science, mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in one or more of the following: nuclear engineering, international nuclear safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation, modeling and simulation, and technology development.
• Knowledge of international nuclear safeguards and nuclear nonproliferation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on technical assignments, apply standard methods to solve problems, and deliver quality work on schedule.
• Experience producing clear technical documentation and communicating results to project teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and follow established procedures including safety and security in laboratory and/or field settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with international nuclear safeguards concepts (e.g., IAEA safeguards), nuclear material accountancy, or verification approaches for nuclear fuel cycles and advanced reactors.
• Proven experience conducting independent as well as collaborative research in verification technologies, specifically in support of international nuclear safeguards.
• Self-motivated and skilled in both independent work and collaborative team environments.
• Working knowledge of domestic nuclear material control and accounting, international nuclear safeguards, and arms control treaty verification practices and technologies.
• Experience working with or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming, and/or modeling and simulation tools used in nuclear nonproliferation applications.
• Experience supporting experiments, technology demonstrations, or field deployments.
• Contributions to conference papers, journal articles, or technical reports as part of a team effort.
• Interest in professional development toward increasing technical leadership and broader project responsibilities over time.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

About ORNL:

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.

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.

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.