Uranium Chemistry and Nuclear Forensics Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Dental Plan

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral researcher in uranium chemistry and nuclear forensics to lead investigations on nuclear fuel cycle materials. The role involves crystallography, spectroscopy, and various materials analyses, with collaboration across the Materials & Chemistry Group.

The position emphasizes developing indicators for forensics and translating fundamental research into practical insights, with the potential for extension and cross-disciplinary work at ORNL.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Mineralogy, or related field within five years of application.
• Proven synthesis and materials fabrication experience.
• Demonstrated record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to understand processing effects on chemical and physical observables of nuclear fuel cycle materials.
• Synthesize uranium materials using solution-based and solid-phase techniques.
• Analyze materials via crystallography, thermal analysis, imaging, and spectroscopy.
• Prepare technical reports, journal articles, and contribute to collaborations.

Skills

Chemical synthesis

Materials analysis

Scientific publishing

Security clearance

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Mineralogy

Tools

Crystallography

Optical spectroscopy

Neutron scattering

Job description

Uranium Chemistry and Nuclear Forensics Postdoctoral Researcher

The Materials & Chemistry Group (MCG) within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND), a part of the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD), is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in the fields of uranium chemistry and nuclear forensics. The role entails performing and leading cutting-edge research on nuclear fuel cycle-related materials with a focus on solid materials within the uranium fuel cycle. Research topic areas will be related to understanding the effects of material processing on chemical and physical observables and translating this understanding into nuclear forensics applications.

The Materials & Chemistry Group focuses on fundamental chemical and physical science related to nuclear fuel cycle materials in support of national security objectives. MCG represents expertise in nuclear materials synthesis and analysis, deployment of advanced analytical methods including crystallography, imaging, spectroscopy, physical property analysis, neutron scattering, and computational chemistry. The candidate will be expected to fruitfully work with MCG chemists and physicists as well as make connections across the laboratory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experimental investigations related to understanding process effects on chemical and physical observables of nuclear fuel cycle materials; improving existing and developing novel nuclear forensics indicators; expanding fundamental uranium material science
• Perform uranium material synthesis using a variety of solution-based and/or solid-phase materials chemistry techniques
• Conduct analysis of nuclear fuel cycle materials via crystallography, thermal analysis, optical spectroscopy, imaging, and elemental analysis.
• Prepare technical reports, journal publications, and technical input for stakeholders
• Contribute to ongoing fuel cycle material-related research projects
• Communicate and coordinate with technical staff members to execute work within shared laboratory spaces
• Contribute to proposal and focus area development and collaborations within the laboratory

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Minerology, or related field, having been received no more than five (5) years ago
• Demonstrated chemical and material synthesis skills
• Working knowledge of common materials analysis techniques including crystallography and optical spectroscopy
• Demonstrated record of publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to hold and maintain a DOE Q security clearance is required, which requires U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with actinide materials
• Familiarity with the nuclear fuel cycle and/or nuclear forensics
• Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization
• Willingness and excitement to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

• Letters of Recommendation: Pleasesubmitthree letters of reference when applying to this position.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q Clearance. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain 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.
• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 andretainindividuals whodemonstrateexceptional work behaviors.
• The laboratoryprovidesa 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

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.