Radioisotope Production Technical Professional

Overview

We are seeking a Technical Professional‑Radioisotope Processing to support the 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to support isotope production operations.

The 3047 Operations Group within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Senior Radiochemical Processing Technical Professional to support the production of high‑priority radioisotopes, specifically radium‑226 (Ra‑226), actinium‑227 (Ac‑227), and thorium‑228 (Th‑228). This is an immediate opportunity for a highly motivated, organized, and technically skilled individual to join a dynamic team focused on expanding domestic radioisotope production capabilities.

Our current priorities center on scaling and optimizing production processes for Ra‑226, Ac‑227, and Th‑228 to meet growing national and global demand. The selected candidate will contribute to process development, radio chemical separations, and operational improvements to ensure reliable, high‑purity isotope output.

• Work directly with nuclear materials in hot cells, glove boxes, and chemical hoods to support isotope production.
• Lead and support isotope production activities in a team environment in a Category III Nuclear Facility; including glovebox and hot cell operations.
• Develop and coordinate production and processing schedules and liaise with Group Lead, R&D SME, and technical staff in support of customer requests.
• Assist Group Lead with identifying, testing, and executing continuous improvement projects.
• Develop solutions to radioisotope processing and production challenges.
• Engage with scientists, engineers, and technicians to establish solutions to complex problems.
• Assist and develop quality control and quality assurance documentation as well as procedures in support of isotope production and operation excellence.
• Assist technical staff and other technicians with operations in chemical and radio chemical laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Mentor and train technicians.
• Assist Group Lead with other duties as assigned.
• Maintain, review, and track logbooks and batch record documentation.
• 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.

• BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication to enable effective interaction with peers, technical, and non‑technical staff.
• Experience in a production or manufacturing environment with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
• 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 environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs, including flexible scheduling to meet production goals.

• Experience in wet chemistry operations.
• Demonstrated ability and hands‑on experience with safe handling of highly radioactive samples, and experience with glove box and/or remote hot cell operations.
• Experience in quality assurance documentation, good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Experience in isotope production activities and chemical purification techniques.
• Experience using glove boxes and/or hot cell manipulators for isotope production.
• Ability to interpret data from analytical methods such as gamma‑ray spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational management skills.

• Physical Requirements:
  
  Work involves various physical requirements including standing for long periods at a time, carrying heavy items, extended use of manipulators, hot and cold environments, as well as other working conditions. As such, a pre‑hire physical is required.
• Visa Sponsorship:
  Visa sponsorship…