Technician - Nuclear Materials Testing and Laboratory Coordination

Staff Technician - Nuclear Materials Testing and Laboratory Coordination

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking experienced staff technicians to serve as laboratory workers and/or coordinator supporting the testing, analysis, and handling of radioactive materials at the Low-Activation Materials Development & Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory. This position involves conducting a variety of experimental projects on irradiated materials and is located within the Materials in Extremes Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division at ORNL.

A successful candidate will have primary responsibility for materials testing, examination, and data analysis activities supporting nuclear materials research programs, as well as for maintaining experimental equipment and ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions in radiation-area laboratories. Responsibilities also include specimen preparation for materials characterization, conducting specialized mechanical and thermophysical tests, and managing radioactive materials inventory.

The LAMDA facility is equipped with a comprehensive suite of characterization tools for post‑irradiation examination of metallic and ceramic materials under a wide range of conditions. Collaboration with scientists, research support staff, and external national and international institutions is essential for planning and executing diverse testing and characterization activities involving radioactive materials. The incumbent is also expected to manage operational aspects within LAMDA radiological areas, where daily handling of radioactive materials is required.

Effective communication with radiation protection technicians and other radiological workers is critical to ensuring a seamless workflow.

• Coordinate (design, plan, and schedule) testing and examination activities in radiological materials laboratories, including optical microscopy, specimen polishing, thermal and mechanical testing, and control of radioactive sample inventory.
• Conduct mechanical testing and other characterization and measurement activities to evaluate the mechanical and thermophysical properties of irradiated materials.
• Acquire, process, analyze, and report test data in accordance with applicable manuals, procedures, and project proposals.
• Train and supervise junior staff and student workers; troubleshoot technical issues and resolve equipment malfunctions while collaborating with project leaders and researchers to ensure quality control.
• Adhere to established requirements for quality assurance, irradiated material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety, ensuring alignment with ORNL core values.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• Associates degree in a science, engineering or related field with a minimum of five years of experience or a High School Diploma with seven years of experience operating materials testing and characterization equipment and/or managing radioactive materials in a research facility.

• Experience handling radioactive or hazardous materials, or equivalent training and/or education.
• Proficiency in operating materials testing, examination, or processing equipment, including sample polishing systems, mechanical testing machines, CNC or EDM systems, materials processing or production equipment, and optical and scanning electron microscopes.
• Demonstrated track record of meticulous manual work with strong attention to detail.
• Previous experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility, with familiarity with applicable safety protocols and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support effective teamwork and collaboration both within and outside ORNL, along with the ability to work independently and adapt to dynamic research environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to…