Seaborg Postdoc - Radiochemical Process Development

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The Glenn T. Seaborg Initiative (GTSI) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is committed to enhancing and maintaining US capabilities in actinide science and technology by helping to attract, develop, and retain the workforce of actinide scientists to meet the needs of the nation.

Topic of Interest

This position is supported by the Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) to advance the chemical processing of unique f-element isotopes, including Cf-252, Bk-249, Es-254, Fm-257, and Pm-147. A core focus of the DOE IP is to improve and develop novel chemical and physical processes for recovering and purifying radioisotopes from irradiated targets and waste streams. These efforts directly support the DOE IP mission to produce and distribute limited-supply radioisotopes, conduct transformative R&D in isotope production and separation, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign isotope sources, and strengthen domestic supply chains for national economic resilience.

This call seeks candidates interested in developing skills at the interface of fundamental and applied radio chemical sciences. Of particular interest is the ability to translate fundamental science into practical chemical processing approaches, including chemical separations, characterization, speciation, and related areas that advance DOE IP priorities for Pm-147 and the trans curium actinides.

Application Process and Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from January 7, 2026, March 1, 2026, for one position starting as early as May 4, 2026. This position will support one postdoc for two years.

You must first apply for the GTSI postdoctoral fellowship on the ORNL Jobs website. Visit jobs.ornl.gov and search for “ORNL GTSI Program.” Click on the job link and complete the application as directed.

Within 2 weeks following completion of your application, please e-mail the following documents to schrellsk :

• Current CV
• Three letters of recommendation (one must be from Ph.
  
  D. advisor)
• Designated postdoctoral mentor
• A concise (1 page maximum) research proposal related to the topic of interest

Selection Process

• Proposed Seaborg Researcher research project
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Research approach
• Proposed Seaborg Researcher candidate
  • Strength of candidate

Successful candidates must be approved by the ORNL Postdoc Program before receiving funding and performing research.

Final selections will be made by the Seaborg Initiative Leadership Team based on rankings, programmatic balance, project strategic importance, and budget.

Performance Requirements

The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Program requires performance metrics of activities and resource management reporting. Successful Seaborg Postdoctoral Researchers are required to report project activities and to participate in program activities with funding dependent upon compliance with these requirements:

• Recipients are required to participate in the Actinide Science Lecture Series by both attending and presenting scientific lectures on actinide science in this Series
• Submission of a viewgraph and detailed proposal outlining goals within a month of starting postdoctoral appointment.
• Provision of a list of project publications and presentations each fiscal quarter.
• Acknowledgement of the Department of Energy Isotope Program as a financial contributor in all publication or presentation.
• Upon completion of the appointment, the recipient will be required to submit short reports on research progress, publications, presentations, and future employment status.
• Must have an ORCiD account .

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Export control, no clearance:
  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

About ORNL:

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