The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) invites applications for a Post-Masters research participant to assist with current analytical development projects within the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry and Isotopics Laboratories (NACIL). The successful candidate will focus on advancing neutron activation analysis methods within the isotope production, nuclear safeguards, and nuclear forensic science areas. Possible projects will include, but are not limited to, studies of Np-237 targets during irradiation, advancement of current delayed-neutron activation analysis procedures, and production of simulated post-det materials through irradiation of highly enriched uranium in support of mass spectrometry studies.

The major duties and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Collaborating in developing new neutron activation protocols, method and procedures.
• Performing laboratory tests to assist in developing, modifying, and refining operational and/or experimental procedures.
• Participating in experimental planning, including establishing priorities within and between projects, and determining the best direction of the laboratory efforts for various experiments, tests, and analysis.
• Participating in publishing results of the studies, and assisting with proposal writing.

Applicants must hold a recent (within the past five years) Master’s degree in an area related to neutron activation analysis methods for isotope production, nuclear safeguards, or nuclear forensic science. All degree requirements must be completed before starting their appointment.

The successful candidate must have strong communication skills (verbal and written), and have excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work effectively in a team environment is important in this position, for the successful candidate will need to interact with operations managers, facility engineers, research scientists, and radiological control technicians. 

The position is a Workplace Substance Abuse program (WSAP) testing-designed position, so the successful candidate will need to pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in an ongoing random drug-testing program in which employees are subject to being randomly selected for testing. The occupant of this position will also be subject to an ongoing requirement to report to ORNL any drug-related arrest or conviction or receipt of a positive drug test result.

This appointment is offered through the ORNL Postgraduate Research Associates Program and is administered by ORAU through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The program is open to all qualified U.S. and non-U.S. citizens without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or disabled veteran.

• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )

I certify that I have completed coursework towards a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.