R&D Associate Member

Position Overview

We are seeking an R&D Associate Staff Member to support applied spectroscopy, sensor development, and process‑monitoring research within the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will develop and deploy optical spectroscopy‑based analytical methods, automated sampling approaches, and integrated instrumentation for real‑time or near‑real‑time measurements in complex chemical, isotope‑production, and nuclear‑relevant processing environments. This position will support program needs in radionuclide production, separations, materials/process monitoring, and related test systems, with opportunities to contribute to technical reporting, publications, proposals, and cross‑disciplinary collaborations.

ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory with an 80‑year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. The Isotope Applications Research Group is a multidisciplinary team of experts ranging from nuclear engineers and radio chemists to organic chemists and cell biologists. Their work advances the production, isolation, and characterization of radionuclides and explores applications such as nuclear battery development, next‑generation reactors, and targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment.

• Conduct experimental research to develop optical spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and analytical instrumentation capabilities for isotope‑production and nuclear‑relevant processing applications.
• Design, integrate, test, and troubleshoot sampling interfaces, flow cells, aerosol/gas/liquid analysis methods, and computer‑controlled instrumentation for online or at‑line measurements.
• Develop quantitative calibration, signal processing, chemometrics, uncertainty evaluation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows that support reliable process feedback.
• Prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and proposal materials while delivering ORNL’s mission through Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science and committing to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

• A PhD in analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, optical science, materials science, or a related field and demonstrated experience developing or applying optical spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, chemical sensing, or process‑monitoring methods.

• Experience with laser‑induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman, fluorescence, UV‑Vis/absorbance, FT‑IR, or related optical measurement approaches.
• Experience with online or at‑line monitoring of complex process streams, such as molten salts, liquids, gases, aerosols, off‑gas streams, or other challenging matrices.
• Experience designing or integrating automated sampling systems, flow cells, microfluidic systems, field‑ready sensors, embedded controls, or computer‑controlled instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of Python, Arduino/C++, microcontrollers, electronics, data acquisition, chemometrics, multivariate calibration, or statistical analysis methods.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment and communicate research results through reports, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, and a variety of on‑site amenities such as fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.

Other benefits include a Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.