Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional

Requisition Id 17154 Overview:We are seeking a Materials Characterization Laboratory Technical Professional in the Applied Materials Analysis Group in the Materials Characterization Section, of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, part of the National Security Sciences Directorate Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This role is responsible for managing the lab spaces through ensuring highly specialized equipment is maintained at maximum operability time, including coordination of vendor support and appropriate downtime to reduce impact to research. In addition, this role will manage the documentation and inventory system for the laboratory as well as be the key point of contact for all day to day operations within the lab space. This role also has the availability to support R&D activities as this role will become a SME in the functionality of several specialized instruments. It will become expected that as this role develops, the candidate will begin participation in experimental activities such as setup, sample preparation, routine measurements, and recording data.This position supports a large, shared laboratory space used by physicists, uranium chemists, and materials scientists.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills to multiple levels of staff so that across these disciplines as well as communication with support staff of facilities, radiological controls, and other environmental, health, and safety personnel.Major Duties/Responsibilities:Maintain operational readiness, including organized space with ready to use instruments of a shared interdisciplinary laboratoryManage laboratory inventory, including chemicals, consumables, gases, sample supplies, spare parts, and radioactive materials in compliance with DOE requirementsManage and organize incoming research materials and samplesMaintain equipment logs, maintenance records, standard operating procedures, and other laboratory documentationSupport compliance with SOPs, ES&H processes, chemical hazard tracking, and laboratory safety requirementsAssist with proper waste handling and hazardous material management in accordance with internal proceduresAssist scientists with experimental setup, sample preparation, routine measurements, and recording dataPrepare materials, reagents, and equipment for ongoing research effortsRecord and organize experimental data and observations accuratelyProvide technical support across multiple scientific disciplinesContribute to technical reports, journal articles, and presentations as needs ariseTroubleshoot routine laboratory and instrumentation issues independently and escalate more complex problems when neededBasic Qualifications:A BS degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, geochemistry/geoscience, or another instrumentation-intensive scientific discipline1-2 years of experience active participation in a laboratory in academic research or similar technical environmentFamiliarity with complex scientific instrumentation and general laboratory operationsExperience following standard operating procedures and laboratory safety practicesAbility to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic research environmentPreferred Qualifications:A MS degree in a relevant scientific disciplineExperience working in a shared or interdisciplinary laboratoryExperience with inventory management, purchasing, and vendor/service coordinationExperience maintaining laboratory records, safety documentation, and chemical hazard tracking systemsExposure to advanced analytical or materials characterization instrumentationExperience with handling radiological materials or relevant radiological worker trainingAbility to work independently on routine troubleshooting and day-to-day laboratory support tasksProactive and willing to take ownership of laboratory needsOrganized, dependable, and detail-orientedStrong team-oriented work ethic able to jump in and help the team accomplish collective goalsStrong organizational skills and attention to detailStrong written and verbal communication skillsExperience with or exposure to one or more of the following is highly desirable: SEM/EDS, Raman spectroscopy, PPMS, GC-MS, evolved gas analysis, pyrolysis techniques, X-ray diffraction, Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, Atomic force microscopy, Radiological materials handlingSpecial 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.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. 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 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.