Stable Isotope Processing Chemist (Technical Associate Staff Member)

Knoxville Technology Council; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist to focus on recovery and chemical conversion of isotopic materials after enrichment. You will transform these precious isotopes into usable forms while minimizing losses and maximizing yield for diverse DOE and national security applications.

Work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, technicians, and engineers in a safety‑minded environment.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work.
• Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses.

Responsibilities

• Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss.
• Execute intricate chemical conversion processes to maximize yield of exceptionally pure product.
• Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques.
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Electron microscopy

Job description

Overview

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist 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. This position resides in Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED supports the nation by conducting research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technologies. SIMC supports pre-enrichment preparations of feedstocks and post-enrichment processing and fabrication of custom physical forms needed to support the user communities. You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on challenging, milestone driven technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE mission areas. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Success requires acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

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.
• Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques.
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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

• A BS degree in Chemistry or a closely related technical discipline
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work
• Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses

Preferred Qualifications

• Physical dexterity to handle small quantities of exotic and expensive materials
• Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation
• Ability to solve basic research problems
• Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills
• 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

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

• 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

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.

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.