Associate Plasma- Enrichment Scientist

Overview

Requisition Id15515

Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory is looking for an Associate Plasma-based Enrichment Scientist to support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division. This role involves advancing the electromagnetic isotope separation technology and the plasma separation process. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, conducting basic scientific research, and ensuring our national security. The position will integrate into an existing research team, focusing on plasma and ion beam science and technology to enhance isotope enrichment systems.

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division focuses on advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages scientists and engineers  expertise and capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver advancements with various applications, including national security and medical treatments. ESED oversees the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies and manages the nation s stable isotope inventory.

The successful candidate will plan and conduct research and development (R&D) to advance plasma science and technology to support plasma-based enrichment systems, including Electromagnetic Isotope Separation (EMIS). This position involves integrating into the existing research team, learning current enrichment technologies, and developing expertise over time.

ESED integrates the entire enrichment process, from chemical synthesis of feed materials to fabrication of custom physical forms. The successful candidate will engage in all aspects of the enrichment enterprise, supporting applied research, improving existing equipment and processes, and prototyping new equipment for isotope enrichment. They will work closely with scientists, technicians, and engineers on technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE missions.

This program offers opportunities for professional growth and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes. Success requires attention to detail and consideration of safety.

• Apply advanced concepts in plasma physics, ion beam transport, plasma chemistry, ion-surface interactions, and related technologies to develop and deploy plasma-based enrichment technologies, including EMIS.
• Use experimental data and simulations to understand the physics driving enrichment technology and identify optimization paths.
• Independently complete research to advance high mass ion source technology for flexibility across the periodic table while improving efficiency and stability.
• Conduct experiments in high current ion beam transport and isotope collection to optimize throughput and eliminate contamination sources.
• Collaborate with scientists to develop new isotope separation technologies to support the DOE Isotope Research Program.
• Develop into a subject matter expert for plasma-based enrichment operations.
• Work closely with colleagues and safety professionals to ensure safe execution of work.
• 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.

• PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, or related fields with relevant research experience.
• Ability to generate and execute new research ideas.
• Experience performing experimental research with plasma sources and/or ion beams.
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience working within R&D teams to solve complex problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.

• Experience with high-current, low-energy ion beam accelerators.
• Experience with electrostatic and magnetic ion beam optics.
• Experience with ion source design, testing, and modeling.
• Experience in plasma resonant heating using RF and/or microwave sources.
• Experience with plasma/ion transport in magnetic fields.
• Interest in developing high efficiency ion source technology for unique plasmas.
• Ability to translate physics understanding into experimental designs.
• Mechanical and electrical engineering skills in an R&D environment.
• Experience with Multiphysics simulation tools and collaborating with modeling researchers.
• Experience coupling experimental diagnostic data to simulation results.
• Experience in complex plasma chemistry.
• Experience in isotope enrichment science and engineering.

• Q Clearance:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse…