Senior Research Scientist - Nuclear Materials and Radiation Effects

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a senior scientific leadership position to advance the science and technology of materials for extreme environments, with an emphasis on the convergence of fusion and fission structural materials, reactor core materials innovation, and the expansion of nuclear materials research capabilities. This position resides in the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) within the Materials in Extreme Environments Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division in ORNL’s Physical Sciences Directorate.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), and Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), as well as industry, universities, and other external stakeholders, the selected candidate will leverage internationally recognized expertise in nuclear materials science to develop and lead innovative research programs that advance next‑generation nuclear energy technologies.

The candidate will provide scientific leadership in the strategic planning and execution of initiatives that support the expansion, modernization, and integration of capabilities in nuclear materials development, irradiation experimentation, modeling and simulation, and post‑irradiation examination (PIE). Key responsibilities include advancing research capabilities in the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory and other irradiation and PIE facilities and/or expanding theoretical and computational modeling capabilities that complement ORNL’s experimental strengths.

The candidate will also play a central role in bridging fundamental and applied research to enable transformative advances in fission and fusion energy systems. Through research on radiation effects, microstructural evolution, degradation mechanisms, and materials performance in extreme environments, the candidate will advance the scientific foundation needed to develop resilient nuclear materials and technologies. This position represents a unique opportunity to strengthen ORNL’s leadership in nuclear materials science and technology at both the national and international levels while supporting DOE’s mission to advance clean energy, energy security, and scientific discovery.

• Establish leadership in scientific research and capability expansion for advanced nuclear materials and radiation effects in materials science.
• Directly contribute to the laboratory’s vision of advancing breakthrough fusion and fission energy systems that are pivotal to the nation’s energy future.
• Develop new projects and programs by leveraging capabilities in experimental design, complex data analysis, technology and process development, and effective communication of findings through reports and presentations.
• Lead advanced research by applying scientific principles to engineer innovative solutions, mentor junior staff, ensure compliance with standards, manage budgets, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of organizational values and ethics.
• Advance 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, collaborate, and define success.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (with a focus on materials), or a closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years of post‑Ph.D. research experience in fission, fusion, or accelerator materials, or other materials for extreme environments
• A strong record of publications and citations
• Demonstrated leadership in scientific research programs, research organizations, or the professional scientific community

• Demonstrated leadership experience in scientific research, such as serving as a program or project manager, with a record of mentoring early‑career researchers, postdoctoral associates, or graduate students
• Extensive…