Requisition Id 16727
Overview: We are seeking an R&D Associate Staff Member to support applied spectroscopy, sensor development, and process-monitoring research within the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will develop and deploy optical spectroscopy-based analytical methods, automated sampling approaches, and integrated instrumentation for real-time or near-real-time measurements in complex chemical, isotope-production, and nuclear-relevant processing environments. This position will support program needs in radionuclide production, separations, materials/process monitoring, and related test systems, with opportunities to contribute to technical reporting, publications, proposals, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:- Conduct experimental research to develop optical spectroscopy, chemical sensing, and analytical instrumentation capabilities for isotope-production and nuclear-relevant processing applications.
- Design, integrate, test, and troubleshoot sampling interfaces, flow cells, aerosol/gas/liquid analysis methods, and computer-controlled instrumentation for online or at-line measurements.
- Develop quantitative calibration, signal processing, chemometrics, uncertainty evaluation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows that support reliable process feedback.
- Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and proposal materials while delivering ORNL's mission through Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science and committing to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity
Basic Qualifications:- A PhD in analytical chemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, applied physics, optical science, materials science, or a related field and demonstrated experience developing or applying optical spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, chemical sensing, or process-monitoring methods.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman, fluorescence, UV-Vis/absorbance, FT-IR, or related optical measurement approaches.
- Experience with online or at-line monitoring of complex process streams, such as molten salts, liquids, gases, aerosols, off-gas streams, or other challenging matrices.
- Experience designing or integrating automated sampling systems, flow cells, microfluidic systems, field-ready sensors, embedded controls, or computer-controlled instrumentation.
- Working knowledge of Python, Arduino/C++, microcontrollers, electronics, data acquisition, chemometrics, multivariate calibration, or statistical analysis methods.
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment and communicate research results through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations.
This position is a regular full-time staff appointment. Initial placement will be commensurate with experience, education, and relevant skills. Continued employment is subject to performance and availability of funding.
Special Requirements:- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- 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.
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: [redacted].
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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.
