Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Staff Member, Plasma-based Enrichment Scientist
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, 37830
Job Details
Location: Knoxville, TN
Salary range: $175,000 - $190,000
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Research Services
Overview Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is looking for a Plasma‑based Enrichment Scientist – Staff to support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division. This role involves advancing electromagnetic isotope separation technology and the plasma separation process. Our isotopic products serve a wide range of applications, including radiopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy, basic scientific research, and national security.
Purpose The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division focuses on advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages scientists and engineers’ expertise to deliver advancements for national security and medical treatments, overseeing the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies and managing the nation’s stable isotope inventory.
Major Duties / Responsibilities
Apply advanced concepts in plasma physics, ion beam transport, plasma chemistry, and ion‑surface interactions to develop and deploy plasma‑based enrichment technologies, including EMIS.
Use experimental data and simulations to understand the physics driving enrichment technology and identify optimization paths.
Propose and lead research to advance high‑mass ion source technology for flexibility across the periodic table while improving efficiency and stability.
Lead experiments in high‑current ion beam transport and isotope collection to optimize throughput and eliminate contamination sources.
Collaborate with scientists to develop new isotope separation technologies to support the DOE Isotope Research Program.
Provide subject‑matter expertise for plasma‑based enrichment operations.
Work closely with colleagues and safety professionals to ensure safe execution of work.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, or related fields with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
Ability to generate and execute new research ideas.
Experience performing experimental research with plasma sources and/or ion beams.
Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
Experience driving R&D teams to solve complex problems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.
Preferred Qualifications and Research Topics of Interest
Experience with high‑current, low‑energy ion beam accelerators.
Experience with electrostatic and magnetic ion beam optics.
Experience with ion source design, testing, and modeling.
Experience with plasma resonant heating using RF and/or microwave sources.
Experience with plasma/ion transport in magnetic fields.
Interest in developing high‑efficiency ion source technology for unique plasmas.
Ability to translate physics understanding into experimental designs.
Mechanical and electrical engineering skills in an R&D environment.
Experience with multiphysics simulation tools and collaborating with modeling researchers.
Experience coupling experimental diagnostic data to simulation results.
Experience with complex plasma chemistry.
Experience in isotope enrichment science and engineering.
Special Requirements
Q Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance.
Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing – pre‑placement drug test and ongoing random testing required.
Physical requirements: a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.
Visa sponsorship not available for this position.
About ORNL As a U.S. Department of Energy 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, creating an environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, and a range of employee amenities. Other benefits include a 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, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, educational assistance, relocation assistance, and employee discounts.
Relocation UT‑Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your recruiter for details.
Application Information 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. 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, please email or contact ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
Equal Opportunity 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.
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Location: Knoxville, TN
Salary range: $175,000 - $190,000
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Research Services
Overview Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is looking for a Plasma‑based Enrichment Scientist – Staff to support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division. This role involves advancing electromagnetic isotope separation technology and the plasma separation process. Our isotopic products serve a wide range of applications, including radiopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy, basic scientific research, and national security.
Purpose The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division focuses on advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages scientists and engineers’ expertise to deliver advancements for national security and medical treatments, overseeing the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies and managing the nation’s stable isotope inventory.
Major Duties / Responsibilities
Apply advanced concepts in plasma physics, ion beam transport, plasma chemistry, and ion‑surface interactions to develop and deploy plasma‑based enrichment technologies, including EMIS.
Use experimental data and simulations to understand the physics driving enrichment technology and identify optimization paths.
Propose and lead research to advance high‑mass ion source technology for flexibility across the periodic table while improving efficiency and stability.
Lead experiments in high‑current ion beam transport and isotope collection to optimize throughput and eliminate contamination sources.
Collaborate with scientists to develop new isotope separation technologies to support the DOE Isotope Research Program.
Provide subject‑matter expertise for plasma‑based enrichment operations.
Work closely with colleagues and safety professionals to ensure safe execution of work.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
PhD in physics, engineering, chemistry, or related fields with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
Ability to generate and execute new research ideas.
Experience performing experimental research with plasma sources and/or ion beams.
Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
Experience driving R&D teams to solve complex problems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.
Preferred Qualifications and Research Topics of Interest
Experience with high‑current, low‑energy ion beam accelerators.
Experience with electrostatic and magnetic ion beam optics.
Experience with ion source design, testing, and modeling.
Experience with plasma resonant heating using RF and/or microwave sources.
Experience with plasma/ion transport in magnetic fields.
Interest in developing high‑efficiency ion source technology for unique plasmas.
Ability to translate physics understanding into experimental designs.
Mechanical and electrical engineering skills in an R&D environment.
Experience with multiphysics simulation tools and collaborating with modeling researchers.
Experience coupling experimental diagnostic data to simulation results.
Experience with complex plasma chemistry.
Experience in isotope enrichment science and engineering.
Special Requirements
Q Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance.
Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing – pre‑placement drug test and ongoing random testing required.
Physical requirements: a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.
Visa sponsorship not available for this position.
About ORNL As a U.S. Department of Energy 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, creating an environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, and a range of employee amenities. Other benefits include a 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, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, wellness programs, educational assistance, relocation assistance, and employee discounts.
Relocation UT‑Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your recruiter for details.
Application Information 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. 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, please email or contact ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
Equal Opportunity 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr