Stable Isotope Processing Chemist (Technical Assistant Staff Member

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

The Stable Isotope Materials and Chemistry Group (SIMC) within the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section is seeking a Stable Isotope Processing Chemist who will focus on chemical operations associated with the post-enrichment recovery and chemical conversion of stable isotopes spanning across the periodic table. As stewards of the Nation’s Repository of Stable Isotopes, we innovate techniques to minimize losses and maximize yields while transforming these precious isotopically enriched materials.

Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including conducting basic scientific research, curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring national security.

This position resides in Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED supports the nation by conducting research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technologies. SIMC supports pre-enrichment preparations of feed stocks and post-enrichment processing and fabrication of custom physical forms needed to support the user communities.

You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on challenging, milestone driven technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE mission areas. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges.

Success requires acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform recovery, purification, chemical conversion, and characterization of isotopic material from enrichment devices, at near zero loss.
• Responsible for executing intricate chemical conversion processes to achieve maximum yield of exceptionally pure product.
• Utilize analytical equipment including mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and other material evaluation techniques.
• Support the development of reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on technical services, conversion activities, and the processing of enriched isotopic material.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, multi-laboratory environment with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree in Chemistry or a closely related technical discipline
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry lab work
• Experience in chemical characterization techniques and quantitative analyses

Preferred Qualifications:

• Physical dexterity to handle small quantities of exotic and expensive materials
• Ability to meticulously maintain detailed laboratory records and documentation
• Ability to solve basic research problems
• Excellent intrapersonal, written and oral communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory

Special Requirements:

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated…