Technician-Radioisotope Processing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Technician – Radioisotope Processing to support isotope production activities in the 4501 Operations Group. The role involves working in radiological facilities, handling materials in hot cells and gloveboxes, and collaborating with scientists and engineers to develop processing solutions.

Applicants should hold an AS degree or higher in engineering or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, strong communication, teamwork, and safety

Qualifications

• AS degree in engineering or a related discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in isotope production activities in a team environment within a radiological facility, including glovebox operations.
• Work 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 labs.
• Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements.
• Assist with coordinating radioactive and hazardous waste disposal.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Safety practices

Education

AS degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

Glovebox operations

Hot cell operations

Job description

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We are seeking a Technician – Radioisotope Processing 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 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, 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 engineering or a related discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 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:

• Demonstrated ability and hands‑on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples, and experience with glove box and/or remote hot cell operations.
• 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.

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
• 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.

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.