Researcher in Physics

Requisition Id 11596 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Senior Research & Development (R&D) Staff Member to lead, develop and grow the Research & Test Reactor Physics (RTRP) Group. The RTRP Group is part of the Nuclear Modeling and Simulation Development and Deployment (MNSDD) Section of the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) within the Fusion and Fission Energy and Sciences Directorate (FFESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The RTRP Group provides technical excellence and leadership in the development, qualification and deployment of methods, tools, and best practices for reactor physics analysis of all types of reactor systems but focused especially on research and test reactors. The group collaborates broadly with other experts across ORNL and internationally who perform research and development in reactor physics and radiation transport related application areas.

ORNL’s Group Leaders are scientific leaders who guide the strategic growth, development, and research progress of a team of up to 12 staff while maintaining active involvement in their own technical research. The RTRP Group Leader works closely with other NMSDD Group Leaders and the Section Head and the NEFCD Division Director to establish the group vision, as well as develop and implement plans to attract new opportunities and strengthen existing efforts.  ORNL Group Leaders also support staff in setting and pursuing both performance and development goals, with the group’s long-term needs and staff members’ long-term career goals in mind. Furthermore, the successful candidate will work to set, implement, and model standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules and ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Establish a diverse research portfolio, contributing to research projects that advance the Laboratory Agenda and the mission of the US Department of Energy.
• Maintain relationships with program leads and sponsors in the US Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Advance knowledge and capabilities to support improved safety, security, safeguards, efficiency, and economics of current and future nuclear power plants by developing innovative methods, contributing to significant analyses, establishing best practices, and/or validating capabilities.
• Publish reports, conference papers, and journal articles to maintain a scholarly record of research activities.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in reactor physics and/or radiation transport related analyses and/or methods develop applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams and managing R&D projects or programs to deliver successful products and capabilities.
• 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 Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate:

The Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate (FFESD) addresses compelling challenges in fission and fusion energy systems, enabling Oak Ridge National Laboratory to pursue national priorities in current and advanced nuclear research, development, and deployment.

FFESD traces its roots to the X-10 Graphite Reactor, the world’s first continuously operated nuclear reactor, and to early innovations in fusion research and engineering. The directorate’s unique facilities, capabilities, and talented scientists and engineers are currently tackling such challenges as extended operations of the current US nuclear reactor fleet; investigating economical and flexible advanced reactor systems; and making fusion energy a viable power source. The directorate leverages synergies between fusion and fission across domestic and international programs.

Special Requirements:

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.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hard-working people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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.

Relocation:

Moving is stressful and expensive, and UT Battelle offers a wide range of relocation benefits for individuals and families to make it easier to come and work here! If you are invited to interview, please ask your Recruiter about relocating with ORNL.

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.