Scientific Associate II

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site fitness facility

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Scientific Associate II to deliver technical operations support for NSE, the Neutron Spin Echo beamline, a high-resolution neutron spectrometer. You will guide instrument teams, manage tests and maintenance, and assist users worldwide in safe, effective experiments.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, system documentation, and collaboration across the NSD and SNS groups. Some after-hours work and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• BS degree in biology, chemistry, materials engineering, physics, engineering or related field with at least 2 years of proven experience.
• General lab experience with sample processing and preparation.
• Experience with the operation of computer-based instrumentation control systems.
• Experience performing hands-on work to diagnose and debug technical equipment and systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction to craft and technical teams and support staff scientists and user groups in developing system requirements, test plans, and operations documentation for the instrument.
• Lead project management and systems engineering activities, including assembly, installation, and testing of instrument components, and participate in developing and commissioning new instrument capabilities.
• Oversee general instrument operations, provide technical expertise on instrument capabilities, respond to troubleshooting needs (including after-hours/weekends), and assist users with sample preparation, installation, and logistics.
• Manage instrument maintenance and sample environment/consumable inventories, coordinate preventive maintenance and preparation for operating cycles, and coordinate sample return/disposal with sample management staff.
• Analyze experimental hazards and implement mitigating actions; ensure proposals have necessary science, safety, and equipment approvals; and maintain documentation and train users on instrument operation and safety.

Skills

Sample processing

Instrument operation

Python scripting

Data analysis concepts

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS/PhD in relevant field

Tools

CAD software

Python

Job description

Overview:

We are seeking a Scientific Associate II who will focus on providing scientific operations support for NSE - the Neutron Spin Echo beamline, which is a high-resolution time-of-flight neutron spectrometer for characterizing the slow dynamics of soft condensed matter. This position resides in the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Science Support Group 1 in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

In this role, you will provide technical support and guidance to the scientific staff and user community, while serving as the primary point of contact for operations support staff. As part of the NSE instrument team, you will support researchers from all over the world through effective instrument operation and troubleshooting, with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research utilizing neutron scattering. For more information, visit https://neutrons.ornl.gov/nse.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide technical direction to craft and technical teams and support staff scientists and user groups in developing system requirements, test plans, and operations documentation for the instrument.
• Lead project management and systems engineering activities, including assembly, installation, and testing of instrument components, and participate in developing and commissioning new instrument capabilities.
• Oversee general instrument operations, provide technical expertise on instrument capabilities, respond to troubleshooting needs (including after-hours/weekends), and assist users with sample preparation, installation, and logistics.
• Manage instrument maintenance and sample environment/consumable inventories, coordinate preventive maintenance and preparation for operating cycles, and coordinate sample return/disposal with sample management staff.
• Analyze experimental hazards and implement mitigating actions; ensure proposals have necessary science, safety, and equipment approvals; and maintain documentation and train users on instrument operation and safety.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
• 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:

• BS degree in biology, chemistry, materials engineering, physics, engineering or related field with at least 2 years of proven experience.
• General lab experience with sample processing and preparation.
• Experience with the operation of computer-based instrumentation control systems.
• Experience performing hands-on work to diagnose and debug technical equipment and systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree or PhD in a relevant field of study.
• Experience with CAD software.
• Stewardship of laboratory components, materials and tools, incorporating good housekeeping and preventative maintenance practices.
• Proven ability to respond to emergent situations and apply sound judgment in resolving them.
• Basic understanding of typical data acquisition, reduction, and analysis concepts.
• Experience with sample environment systems (such as mechanical testing, high and low temperature, gas absorption, etc.) and material characteristics in these extreme conditions.
• Experience with Python or other scripted programming languages.
• Comprehension of basic thermal neutron scattering instrument techniques and technologies.

Special Requirements:

• Periods of extended work hours will be required. You must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including occasional weekends, with little or no advance notice.
• This role may include limited travel opportunities.
• 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. 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.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

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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.