Analytical Research Chemist

** Basic Responsibilities
*** Reactor Salt Chemistry Management
* Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Operation
* Materials Compatibility and Corrosion Studies
* Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Monitoring
* Research, Development, and Technical Support
* Documentation, Reporting, and Collaboration
** Essential Duties
**** Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
**** Reactor Salt Chemistry Management
*** Monitor and adjust molten salt chemistry to ensure reactor safety and performance.
* Develop and implement sampling and analysis methods for fluoride salt systems.
* Support impurity control and redox balance strategies.
** Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Operations
*** Perform chemical analyses using spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques.
* Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure calibration and quality control.
* Support development of novel analytical methods tailored for molten salt environments.
** Materials Compatibility and Corrosion Studies
*** Conduct experiments to evaluate material behavior in contact with molten salts.
* Analyze corrosion products and develop mitigation strategies.
* Collaborate with engineers to recommend suitable materials for reactor systems.
** Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Monitoring
*** Ensure compliance with nuclear regulatory requirements and university safety protocols.
* Support radiation licensing and hazardous chemical safety, including beryllium exposure control.
* Participate in environmental monitoring and waste management related to chemical processes.
** Research, Development, and Technical Support
*** Contribute to ongoing R&D projects supporting a molten salt research reactor’s scientific surveillance layer (SSL).
* Provide chemical expertise to reactor operations, simulation teams, and cross-disciplinary projects.
* Mentor students and junior staff in chemical techniques and laboratory practices.
** Documentation, Reporting, and Collaboration
*** Maintain accurate laboratory records, sample logs, and analysis reports.
* Support preparation of technical publications, safety analysis reports, grant proposals, and regulatory submissions.
* Collaborate across disciplines (nuclear engineering, physics, materials science) to advance NEXT Lab’s mission.
** Professional Development Requirements
**** Skills
* ** Strong foundation in inorganic and analytical chemistry.
* Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation (ICP-MS, inert gas fusion, Raman, electrochemistry, etc.).
* Knowledge of molten salt chemistry and corrosion science.
* Understanding of nuclear safety, radiation chemistry, and hazardous materials management.
* Strong problem-solving and data analysis abilities.
** Training Modules Required
*** Radiation safety and licensing training.
* Chemical hygiene and laboratory safety.
* Hazardous materials handling, including anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and beryllium control protocols.
* Emergency response and spill prevention training.
* Advanced modules on molten salt chemistry and SSL integration.
** Qualifications
* *** Professional
* ** Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (Ph.D. preferred). To be eligible for a dual faculty appointment, a master’s or doctoral degree will be required.
* 3–5 years of laboratory experience (academic, industrial, or national lab).
* Experience with molten salts, corrosion science, or high-temperature chemistry strongly preferred.
* Demonstrated record of technical reporting and collaborative research.
* Familiarity with NRC, DOE, and OSHA compliance standards.
** Personal
* ** Detail-oriented and committed to safety.
* Strong communicator with ability to explain complex chemistry to non-chemists.
* Collaborative, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines.
* Self-motivated with curiosity for applied nuclear research.
* Passionate about advancing NEXT Lab’s mission in innovative nuclear energy.
** Physical Demands
*** Able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
* Able to stand 1 hour or more.

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