Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemical Engineering

Requisition Id15028

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemical Engineering to support research activities within the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The IARG is dedicated to advancing isotope production technologies, with a particular focus on improving the efficiency and safety of plutonium-238 isotope production. The Plutonium-238 Supply Program at ORNL is producing plutonium-238 for NASA in support of powering deep space missions. To do so, a myriad of chemical processing steps are required to prepare targets for irradiation and process them afterwards to isolate plutonium-238, recycle the neptunium target material, and dispose of various waste streams. This position focuses on exploring new chemical processing approaches that would lead to more efficient and effective production of plutonium-238. The successful candidate will focus on the development of new and improved technologies for addressing waste challenges associated with plutonium-238 production. Opportunities will be available for the successful candidate to support other areas of the program, including material processing and separations.

IARG is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the production, exploration of fundamental properties, and practical applications of radioisotopes produced at ORNL. Comprised of experts ranging from nuclear engineers and radiochemists to organic chemists and cell biologists, IARG pushes the boundaries of technology in the production, isolation, and characterization of radionuclides. Their work not only enhances our understanding of these isotopes but also explores their current and potential future applications, which include innovations in nuclear battery development, cutting-edge research in next-generation nuclear reactors, and the advancement of targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment.

Major Duties/Rsponsibilities:

• Perform experimental and computational studies related to the development of unit operations within the Plutonium-238 Supply Program.

• Publish scientific papers and internal reports resulting from this research and present results at the appropriate settings.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science.

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.

Basic Qualifications:

• To be eligible you must have completed a PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electrocatalytic reaction engineering for organic waste streams.

• Experience with statistical design of experiments.

• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.

• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Applicants cannot receive their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Special Requirements:

• Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

• 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.

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.