Job Description

Requisition Id 14702 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Particle Fuel Forms (PFF) Group in the Nuclear Fuel Development (NFD) Section within the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division.

The PFF Group is a global leader in coated particle fuel research for advanced reactors (e.g., tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel) and emerging nuclear technologies. The PFF group supports activities related to both fabrication and post-irradiation examination of coated particle fuel and fuel forms. This position would primarily support the US DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy’s Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s post-irradiation examination (PIE) activities at ORNL. The activities include x-ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging of a variety of specimen types including irradiated fuel samples, analyzing the generated 3D XCT datasets to identify and quantify features of interest, and interacting with principal investigators to identify areas of potential application for XCT and to communicate back results. The successful candidate will strongly collaborate with staff within the PFF and the Nuclear Fuel Development section.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop a working knowledge of the overall technology and performance of TRISO fuel, as well as specific procedures and results related to XCT imaging at ORNL.
• Lead XCT analysis of irradiated AGR particles by performing XCT imaging, identifying features of interest, and preparing polishing guides to support destructive microscopy analysis.
• Perform quantitative geometric segmentation of XCT images of TRISO particles and other novel fuel forms.
• Interface with PFF research staff to present and report research results and publish results in technical reports and peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality assurance requirements.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with other technical staff and interface with staff outside of the home organization to meet research objectives.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with nuclear fuel or materials.
• Experience with XCT imaging.
• Experience with 3D data handling.
• Experience with image processing.
• Experience with MATLAB.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines.

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.

Applicants cannot have received 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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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: [email protected]

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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.

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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