Senior Technician - Radioisotope Processing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Senior Radioisotope Processing Technician to support radioisotope processing for the 4501 Operations Group within the MIIPS of the IPMD. The role involves working in radiological facilities, hot cells, and gloveboxes to produce medical and industrial radioisotopes, using HFIR and related processing capabilities.

The ideal candidate has an AS degree in physical or engineering sciences with extensive hands-on experience with radioactive materials,

Qualifications

• AS degree in physical or engineering sciences or related discipline with 7+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability and hands-on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with peers, technical and non-technical staff.
• Self-motivated, able to work as a team and commit to safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in isotope production activities in a radiological facility, including hot cell and glovebox operations.
• Work with nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, and radiological fume hoods to support isotope production.
• Assist staff with operations in chemical and radiochemical laboratories.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to solve complex problems.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality programs.
• Assist with coordination of radioactive and hazardous waste disposal.
• Align actions with ORNL values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivated

Safety practices

Education

AS degree in physical or engineering sciences

Tools

Wet chemistry operations

Gamma ray spectroscopy

Glovebox operations

Nuclear detection methods

Remote hot cell operations

Quality assurance documentation

GLP

Job description

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We are seeking a Senior Radioisotope Processing Technician to support radioisotope processing for the 4501 Operations Group within the Medical and Industrial Isotope Processing Section (MIIPS) of the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The 4501 Operations Group within the MIIPS and IPMD at ORNL has an immediate opening for a Senior Radioisotope Processing Technician. We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and talented candidate to join our growing team to work on our expanding radioisotope production demands. Using the unique capabilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and related radiochemical and nuclear processing facilities, the group supports a variety of projects supplying difficult-to-produce radioisotopes essential for medical, research, and industrial applications. Production of these radioisotopes supports the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies, as well as the needs of private organizations and institutions. Our current focus is on production and processing research and development to stand up new production capabilities for medical and industrial radioisotopes, including Ba-133,C-14, Ho-166m, I-131, Ni-63, Ra-224/Pb-212, Se-75, Sn-117m, Tc-99, Th-228, Th-229, and W-188.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Participate and assist in isotope production activities in a team environment in a radiological facility; including hot cell and glovebox operations.
• Work directly with nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes, and radiological fume hoods to support isotope production.
• Assist technical staff and other technicians with operations in chemical and radiochemical laboratories.
• Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to establish solutions to complex problems.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of radioactive and hazardous waste disposal.
• 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

• AS degree in physical or engineering sciences or related discipline, plus 7 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Candidates should have demonstrated ability and hands-on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples.
• Excellent communication skills are essential to ensure effective interaction with peers, technical, and non-technical staff.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work as a team, and committed to safe work practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wet chemistry operations and nuclear detection methods, including gamma ray spectroscopy.
• Experience with glovebox and/or remote hot cell operations.
• Experience in disciplined operations, quality assurance documentation, and/or good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Experience in isotope production activities and chemical purification techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

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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.

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.