Technical Staff Professional- Computational Chemistry Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

IT

Oak Ridge, TN, USA

Posted on Jun 2, 2026

Requisition Id 16507

­­Overview:

We are seeking a technical staff professional who will focus on code portability and software development that combines domain knowledge in chemistry, electronic structure, atomistic simulations and data science approaches. This position resides in the Chemical Transformations Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Conduct atomistic simulations to contribute to multi-disciplinary projects relevant to catalysis, critical materials or separations.
  • Develop computational workflows that span different methods/software and have experience in agentic AI flows.
  • Contribute to methods development and integrate data science to accelerate simulations, analyze large datasets, and extract correlations.
  • Work in multi-disciplinary teams, deliver manuscript first-drafts, mentor visiting students as opportunity arises.
  • 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 bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or a related discipline
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in professional research environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop scientific workflows for chemistry.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A PhD degree in Chemistry, Physic, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
  • Practical background and experience in chemistry-informed AI approaches; demonstrated experience in electronic structure and molecular simulation.
  • 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 function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

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.

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.


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.