Radioanalytical Counting Laboratory Technical Specialist

The Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division (NRPD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Technical Specialist for the Radioanalytical Counting Laboratory within the Nuclear Measurements and Analytical Services (NMAS) Group.

ORNL is a world leader in advanced science and technology research involving nonreactor nuclear facilities, accelerators, and the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The Radioanalytical Services Team maintains DOELAP accreditation for the in vitro radiobioassay analytical program and provides specialty measurement capabilities as part of ORNL’s Radiological Protection Program.

The primary focus of this position is to provide technical direction for the Radioanalytical Counting Laboratory, ensuring accurate, prompt, and high-quality analytical results for radiobioassay in vitro analyses necessary for occupational radiological internal dose assessment.

The position requires a solid understanding of safe work practices for radiochemistry and low‑level radiation detection, and the Technical Specialist serves as the subject‑matter expert, providing day‑to‑day direction of all Counting Laboratory operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain calibration and performance of all Radioanalytical Counting Laboratory instrumentation.
• Investigate and troubleshoot instrument performance issues and equipment failures.
• Maintain laboratory operations, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance with DOELAP requirements.
• Perform routine counting operations for samples submitted to the laboratory.
• Review and approve sample measurement data and interface with Radioanalytical Services staff to resolve issues.
• Develop and manage software utilities for automating data calculations, instrument interfaces, and data exchanges.
• Integrate data with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) used for in vitro operations.
• Periodically author, review, and update operating procedures and technical basis documentation to meet ORNL and group quality assurance requirements.
• Review and monitor quality control data; document performance measurements in quality assurance summaries.
• Implement upgrades to laboratory instrumentation and processes, including development of system configurations, calculations, workbooks, data exchange methods, operating procedures, performance validation & verification.
• Coordinate records generation, handling, and disposition.

• Bachelor’s degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, or related technical field with at least five years of experience in a radio analytical counting laboratory; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of nuclear counting concepts and methods—including alpha spectrometry, gas‑flow proportional counting, liquid scintillation counting, and gamma spectrometry.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows software systems, including Visual Basic for Applications.
• Critical‑thinking ability to facilitate problem‑solving and troubleshooting; able to resolve problems quickly while maintaining composure.
• Excellent organizational and work‑planning skills; able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a hands‑on laboratory setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster positive interaction and teamwork with laboratory staff and management.

• Advanced degree in a technical science discipline with a concentration in nuclear measurements and five or more years of experience.
• Experience with standard programming and/or scripting languages such as Python, Power Shell, FORTRAN, etc., especially in mixed operating system environments (Windows, OpenVMS, Unix).
• Advanced computing skills, including data reduction, analysis, and presentation.
• Hands‑on experience with configuring and using alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, and/or alpha/beta counting systems and associated software.
• Experience with relational databases and SQL.
• Prior experience working in a DOELAP‑accredited in‑vitro radiobioassay program.
• Familiarity with radio analytical and/or radiobioassay laboratory workflow.

• Work involves various physical requirements and working…