Member, Plasma​/Ion Beam Research Scientist

Requisition Id15516

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is looking for a Plasma / Ion Beam Research 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.

• 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.
• Propose and lead research to advance high mass ion source technology for flexibility across the periodic table while improving efficiency and stability.
• Lead 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.
• Provide subject matter expertise 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 a minimum of 2 years relevant 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 driving 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…