RMAL Group Leader - Senior R&D Staff

at  Oak Ridge National Laboratory

OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced radiochemist and senior researcher to lead the Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) group within the Nuclear Analytical Chemistry (NAC) Section of the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) at the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This role focuses on developing and analyzing radiological constituents across various matrices, including bulk nuclear materials, environmental samples, safeguards, nonproliferation efforts, and other process applications. As the R&D Group Leader, you will oversee a highly skilled team with the primary goal of achieving global scientific leadership in analytical sciences. Your responsibilities will include maintaining current programs, establishing relationships, writing proposals, and developing new research areas to strengthen capabilities. You will lead an organization with a strong service component and will be expected to build research and development initiatives to create novel methods, innovative measurement devices, and advanced methodologies for gamma spectroscopy, alpha spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and radiochemistry to address complex analytical challenges.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Ph.D. with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 12 years relevant experience, or a BS with a minimum of 15 years of experience.
• Proven experience leading R&D and/or technical teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in the knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of high-purity germanium gamma detectors and associated software. Knowledge of Canberra’s Apex Gamma and Genie 2000 software is preferred.
• Expertise in the knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of low-background proportional counters (both gas-flow and solid-state) and associated software. Knowledge of Canberra’s Apex Alpha/Beta software is preferred.
• Expertise in the knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of liquid scintillation detectors and associated software. Knowledge of Perkin Elmer’s Quantasmart© software is preferred.
• Expertise in the knowledge, use, and troubleshooting of alpha spectrometry detectors and associated software. Knowledge of ORTECS’s AlphaVision© software is preferred.
• Proficiency in elemental ICPMS quadrupole maintenance, setup, and operations. Knowledgeable in fully quantitative, semi-quantitative, and high-precision isotope ratio measurements for quantifying radiological isotopes in highly radioactive sample streams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with modern sample preparation methods used in isotopic and elemental characterizations, with an emphasis on nuclear materials and experience in the chemistry and separations of lanthanides and actinides.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in C-zone laboratories, using glove boxes and radiochemical hood enclosures, and adhering to safety practices associated with handling radioactive materials.
• Demonstrated collaborative research experience in academic, industry, or government agencies.
• 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing projects and position the group for future success.
• Participate in or lead the initiation of new research directions and the development of research proposals to secure internal and external funding.
• Lead collaborations with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment.
• Attract and hire a diverse pool of high-quality candidates committed to world-class R&D and aspiring to be leaders in their field.
• Assist staff in setting performance goals aligned with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals and provide timely feedback on performance issues.
• Oversee the technical quality of the group’s products and services.
• Provide input to support with staff development and offer direct, impactful mentorship regularly.
• Lead by example according to ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL’s ESH&Q policies, standards, and procedures.
• Enhance the group’s reputation and standing through collaboration, Professional Society leadership, and organizing technical events.
• Maintain effective communication about scientific efforts both internally and externally, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Travel as required to brief sponsors, conduct field exercises, and attend scientific conferences.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace.
• Collaborate with staff to address novel and complex technical issues.
• Perform and guide radiochemical determinations of materials.
• Independently operate a suite of radioanalytical instruments.
• Conduct laboratory tests to develop, modify, and refine operational and experimental procedures.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.