Requisition Id 15515

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is looking for an Associate Plasma-based Enrichment Scientist to support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division. This role involves advancing the electromagnetic isotope separation technology and the plasma separation process. Our isotopic products enable a wide variety of applications, including curing cancer with radiopharmaceuticals, conducting basic scientific research, and ensuring our national security. The position will integrate into an existing research team, focusing on plasma and ion beam science and technology to enhance isotope enrichment systems.

Purpose:

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division focuses on advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages scientists and engineers' expertise and capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver advancements with various applications, including national security and medical treatments. ESED oversees the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies and manages the nation’s stable isotope inventory. The successful candidate will plan and conduct research and development (R&D) to advance plasma science and technology to support plasma-based enrichment systems, including Electromagnetic Isotope Separation (EMIS). This position involves integrating into the existing research team, learning current enrichment technologies, and developing expertise over time.

ESED integrates the entire enrichment process, from chemical synthesis of feed materials to fabrication of custom physical forms. The successful candidate will engage in all aspects of the enrichment enterprise, supporting applied research, improving existing equipment and processes, and prototyping new equipment for isotope enrichment. They will work closely with scientists, technicians, and engineers on technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program and other DOE missions. This program offers opportunities for professional growth and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes. Success requires attention to detail and consideration of safety.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Apply advanced concepts in plasma physics, ion beam transport, plasma chemistry, ion-surface interactions, and related technologies to develop and deploy plasma-based enrichment technologies, including EMIS.
• Use experimental data and simulations to understand the physics driving enrichment technology and identify optimization paths.
• Independently complete research to advance high mass ion source technology for flexibility across the periodic table while improving efficiency and stability.
• Conduct experiments in high current ion beam transport and isotope collection to optimize throughput and eliminate contamination sources.
• Collaborate with scientists to develop new isotope separation technologies to support the DOE Isotope Research Program.
• Develop into a subject matter expert for plasma-based enrichment operations.
• Work closely with colleagues and safety professionals to ensure safe execution of work.
• 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 and Requirements:

• PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, or related fields with relevant research experience.
• Ability to generate and execute new research ideas.
• Experience performing experimental research with plasma sources and/or ion beams.
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
• Experience working within R&D teams to solve complex problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications and Research Topics of Interest:

• Experience with high-current, low-energy ion beam accelerators.
• Experience with electrostatic and magnetic ion beam optics.
• Experience with ion source design, testing, and modeling.
• Experience in plasma resonant heating using RF and/or microwave sources.
• Experience with plasma/ion transport in magnetic fields.
• Interest in developing high efficiency ion source technology for unique plasmas.
• Ability to translate physics understanding into experimental designs.
• Mechanical and electrical engineering skills in an R&D environment.
• Experience with Multiphysics simulation tools and collaborating with modeling researchers.
• Experience coupling experimental diagnostic data to simulation results.
• Experience in complex plasma chemistry.
• Experience in isotope enrichment science and engineering.

Special Requirements:

• Q Clearance: 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 position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

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 and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.