Senior Stable Isotope Process Chemist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Senior Stable Isotope Chemist to lead chemical operations for post-enrichment recovery and conversion of isotopes. You will perform complex purification steps and mentor junior staff to optimize yields while minimizing losses.

The role supports national security, basic research, radiopharmaceutical applications, and technology transfer, within a safety-conscious, team-driven environment at ORNL.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry or closely related technical discipline with at least 25 years of experience.
• Experience with handling isotopically enriched materials.
• Extensive knowledge in chemical purification techniques.
• Extensive knowledge in inorganic chemistry laboratory work.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss
• Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product
• Train and mentor junior staff on chemical processes and provide guidance on historical processes, prior trials, and lessons learned.
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.

Skills

Isotopically enriched materials

Chemical purification techniques

Inorganic chemistry lab work

Fast-paced research environment

Prioritization and deadline management

Adaptability

Education

BS degree in Chemistry or closely related technical discipline

Job description

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Senior Stable Isotope Chemist who will focus on chemical operations associated with the post-enrichment recovery and chemical conversion of stable isotopes spanning across the periodic table. As stewards of the Nation’s Repository of Stable Isotopes, we innovate techniques to minimize losses and maximize yields while transforming these precious isotopically enriched materials. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including conducting basic scientific research, curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring national security.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss
• Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product
• Train and mentor junior staff on chemical processes and provide guidance on historical processes, prior trials, and lessons learned.
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.

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 Chemistry or a closely related technical discipline with at least 25 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with handling isotopically enriched materials
• Extensive knowledge in chemical purification techniques
• Extensive knowledge in inorganic chemistry laboratory work
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory

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:

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.