NUCL-ACS

The Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an early career chemist with a strong background in separations and radiochemistry to perform research in separations chemistry in a variety of projects ranging from fundamental research on novel molecular-recognition chemistry to applied efforts dealing with such problems as recovery of critical materials, recycle of used nuclear fuel, treatment of waste, and sensing of trace contaminants.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a diverse team of scientists seeking both to advance scientific understanding of chemical recognition and separation phenomena, as well as use this understanding to solve real world applications
• Design and perform hands-on separations experiments utilizing solvent extraction and ion exchange methods to meet project goals
• Responsible for operation of a radiochemical laboratory and training of staff in radiochemical methods
• Independently formulate research problems and design research strategies, and work with both computational chemists and experimentalists to guide the design of new receptors and characterize their separation properties
• Train group postdocs, students, and visiting scholars in separations methods and radiochemical methodologies developed in the group
• Participate in the initiation of new research directions and development of research proposals to compete for internal and external funding
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• PhD in Chemistry or a closely related science discipline and up to five years of subsequent research experience involving separations chemistry and radiochemical methods
• Strong background in solvent extraction or ion exchange, dealing with actinides, lanthanides, or fission products
• A solid foundation in inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry with a demonstrated working knowledge of thermodynamics and kinetics
• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Excellent interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills in order to have effective interaction with technical peers, program managers, and sponsors
• Self-motivated, safety conscious and capable of innovative, independent research resulting in peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• Expertise in coordination and supramolecular chemistry and various spectroscopic methods, including application of X-ray or neutron-scattering techniques for structural analysis

Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit AT ornl.gov. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

WORK DIRECTION AND INTERFACES: Position reports to the Group Leader, Chemical Separations Group in the Chemical Sciences Division. Interface with administrative staff, managers and visitors to ORNL.

MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS: Extract from annual performance measures.

Please apply at http://bit.ly/separationschemist.

Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Organization: Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL)

Reference Code: SRNL15-01-NSD

Description: The National Security Directorate at Savannah River National Laboratory seeks highly qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in one or more of the following areas:

Applied R&D studies to characterize nuclear materials by spectroscopy (IR, Raman, fluorescence), powder XRD, SEM and other methods.
Detailed gamma-ray spectroscopy analyses of samples containing a wide range of radioactivity levels.
Dissolution, separation and analyses of a wide range of environmental samples.
We’re especially interested in enthusiastic candidates that can demonstrate significant experience with a wide range of analytical instruments. Our Postdoctoral Research Associates have initial one-year appointments, with an option to renew for up to three years, depending on project needs and the continued availability of funding. The salary and benefits are competitive. We encourage publication of non-classified results of research efforts, and appreciate candidates that can demonstrate their scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications and novel research approaches to complex problems.

The successful candidate must have a recent Ph.D. (earned within the past five years) in chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear engineering, material science, oceanography, geology, environmental engineering/chemistry, or an associated field. A background in handling radioactive materials is not essential, but preferred.

This SRNL Postgraduate Research Associates Program is administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Q clearance.

Eligibility Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree or have received this degree within 60 months.
Affirmation: I certify that I have completed coursework towards a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
Discipline(s):
Other Physical Sciences (All)
Environmental and Marine Sciences (All)
Veteran Status: None
ORAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability); visit the ORAU website for required employment notices.

The recent Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (NSAC) workforce report recommends that mentors of undergraduate and graduate students should expand their knowledge of prestigious fellowship opportunities and help these students in developing competitive applications for these awards. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with strong academic and research backgrounds and with high potential for success in Ph.D. studies and research should be encouraged to apply for these awards. To develop competitive proposals, especially the research components, the students need to work with their advisors and research mentors. Senior undergraduate and first-year graduate students are eligible, with more limited opportunities for second-year students. Fellowships include competitive stipends and funds for tuition and fee remission. Opportunities related to nuclear science include:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14590/nsf14590.pdf. Deadline October 30, 2014 for physics, chemistry and astronomy. All fields of science and engineering except human disease life sciences.
• Department of Defense (DOD) SMART smart.asee.org. Only US citizens; also undergraduate scholarships. Anticipated deadline mid-December 2014. Fields of study include physics, chemistry and nuclear engineering. Recipients must qualify for and be interested in DOD careers.
• Department of Defense (DOD) National Defense Science and Engineering Fellowship
  ndseg.asee.org. Only US citizens or nationals. Anticipated deadline: December 2014. Fields of study include physics, chemistry and some engineering fields.
• Department of Energy (DOE) Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship www.krellinst.org/ssgf/. Anticipated deadline: January 2015. Fields of study restricted to low-energy nuclear science, high-energy density physics and materials under extreme conditions.
• Department of Energy (DOE) Computational Science Graduate Fellowship www.krellinst.org/csgf/. Anticipated deadline January 2015. Fields of study include astrophysics and physics in which recipients use math and computers for their research.
• New program to support Ph.D. candidates in residence at DOE-Science laboratories.
  DOE Office of Science Graduate Research Program science.energy.gov/wdts/scgsr/. Only U.S. citizen Ph.D. candidates. Provides local support to Ph.D. candidates to spend 3-12 months in residence at a DOE Office of Science Laboratory. 2014 priority research areas include essentially all programs in DOE Office of Nuclear Physics and heavy element nuclear chemistry. September 24, 2014 deadline for January-September 2015 participation.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Staff Member – Radiochemistry

Job ID: 12374

Jobcode Desc: Post-Dr Research Staff 1 (PDS.1)

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NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. For important information about LLNL appointments refer to the FAQs above. Eligible candidates are recent PhDs within five years of the month of the degree award at time of employment offer.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB: The Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate is seeking candidates for postdoctoral research positions to apply nuclear and radiochemistry to problems associated with nuclear forensics, nuclear non-proliferation, radiochemical separations, chemical automation and radiochemistry on the National Ignition Facility. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and pursue innovative research addressing radiochemical analysis of a diverse suite of radiological materials including nuclear debris products, NIF target materials, activated detector materials, and actinide targets. This research will include analyses of radiological samples and associated collateral materials using a variety of high performance analytical techniques including alpha- and gamma-ray spectrometry, SEM, NanoSIMS, profilometry, and ICP-MS. The purpose of the appointment is to promote cutting-edge nuclear and radiochemical science and will include active collaborations between LLNL, Univ. of Nevada Las Vegas, UC Berkeley, Texas A&M University and other US and international institutions. This position reports to the Group Leader for Experimental Nuclear and Radiochemistry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Develop and pursue innovative research addressing nuclear forensic science, separation science, and radiochemical laser diagnostics.
• Develop innovative production and separation methods for radionuclides associated with nuclear forensics debris samples as well as the ability to incorporate them into various matrix materials.
• Develop new and enhance existing analytical methods and instrumentation for radiochemical analysis, including chemical automation.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Analyze, report, and present scientific results at seminars, technical meetings, national and international conferences.
• Maintain effective communications with scientific efforts internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Coordinate activities of supporting technical personnel.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.

MARGINAL DUTIES

• Write proposals, secure funding, and establish independent research projects.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Recent PhD in physics, chemistry, or related field.
• Analytical experience with nuclear and actinide chemistry.
• Demonstrated quantitative analytical capability.
• Experience in writing reports, publications, and proposals.
• Demonstrated ability as an innovative experimentalist with experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
• Demonstrated fundamental written and verbal communication skills and experience in delivering presentations and preparing written reports.
• Documentated publication record in refereed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly to diverse and shifting demands.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.

Anticipated Clearance Level: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.

LLNL is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Post Doctorate RA – National Technical Nuclear Forensics Fellowship (Job # 302819)
 

Job description
This postdoctoral position is funded, in part, by the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Center, under the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office of the Department of Homeland Security. Roughly 50% of the candidate’s time, he / she will be expected to help lead an effort to assemble and test a new hybrid mass spectrometer designed for ultra-fast and sensitive actinide isotope measurements. The other 50% of the candidate’s time will be spent supporting a variety of on-going research and development projects related to nuclear material analysis and nuclear forensics signature discovery. Targeted opportunities for the candidate include (but are not limited to):
 
• The development of thermodynamic, kinetic, and reactive transport models for simulating natural and engineered systems related to the nuclear fuel cycle.
• The design and operation of bench-scale and pilot-scale research and development activities related to the replication of particular historic flowsheets of importance within the nuclear fuel cycle.
• The study of novel optical (fluorescence, Raman, IR, and UV-Vis) characterization of actinide solid phases.
• The application of Mössbauer spectroscopy to the analysis of actinides.
• The development of novel and rapid on-line pre-separation techniques for destructive analysis.
• The development and testing of new field deployable nuclear detection systems for marine environments.

In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to propose, plan and carryout his/her own related research.
 
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications

Position requires the ability to obtain a Q security clearance, US citizenship is required.

Candidates must have a strong background in their major field of study and an interest to work closely as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers targeting applied problems of importance to national security. Laboratory experience working with radionuclides, a strong background in analytical chemistry or material analysis, and thermodynamic modeling expertise are a plus. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

 
Preferred Education/Credential

Ph.D. in chemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemical engineering, radiochemistry, or related field.

 
Equal Employment Opportunity

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States.

 
Other Information

This position requires the ability to obtain a federal security clearance in a timely manner. Which requires:
* US Citizenship
* Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
* Drug Testing: All Security Clearance (L or Q) positions will be considered by the Department of Energy to be Testing Designated Positions which means that they are subject to applicant, random, and for cause drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
 
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs for 12 consecutive months can be demonstrated.
About this company
 
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory, operated for DOE’s Office of Science by Battelle.

At PNNL, interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers address many of America’s most pressing challenges in energy, the environment, and national security through advances in basic and applied science. Our science and technology is strategically focused on inspiring and enabling the world to live prosperously, safely, and securely.
 
PNNL’s main campus is in Richland, Wash., where the majority of the Laboratory’s 4,700 staff work under an annual operating budget of nearly $1 billion. This campus includes unique laboratories and specialized equipment, as well as the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science national scientific user facility. In addition to the Richland campus, we operate a marine research facility in Sequim, Washington; and satellite offices in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Washington, D.C.
 
Battelle – the world’s largest independent scientific research and technology development organization – has operated PNNL for DOE and its predecessors since 1965. To learn more, see our video, Advancing Transformational Science and Technology at http://bit.ly/10CJ9jd. Thank you for visiting our web site. If you have questions or comments, please contact us at http://www.pnnl.gov/contacts/.

Job Title Nuclear Forensics Radiochemistry Postdoc

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name C-AAC/Actinide Analytical Chemistry
 

The Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group provides expertise in chemical and radiochemical analysis of materials where actinide elements make up a significant portion of the sample. These analyses range from assay of the major and minor components down to trace analysis of impurities – spanning over seven orders of magnitude of chemical analysis capability.
We are a recognized national asset and leader within the international nuclear community for our in-depth technical capabilities, knowledge, and the strength of our ISO 17025-accredited quality assurance program. We help sustain the nation’s nuclear security through our core programmatic contributions to nuclear forensics, stockpile stewardship, and nonproliferation. In addition, we provide customized support and problem-solving to “walk-in” customers throughout the Laboratory.
What You Will Do:
 
The outstanding candidate for this postdoctoral position will support continuous analytical chemistry method improvement and associated instrumentation development activities. Responsibilities will include:
 

(1) Develop state of art radiochemical separations schemes and analysis procedures for key analytes in uranium and plutonium matrices by alpha and gamma spectrometry, thorium isotope separation methods in uranium matrices, and protactinium progeny. “Age dating” of actinides via in-growth progeny will also be a key development area;

(2) carry out nuclear counting instrumentation development and improvement using various nuclear counting techniques such as neutron spectroscopy, gamma spectrometry and alpha spectrometry;

(3) contribute to project planning, problem solving, and engage in discussions to address sponsor needs and enhance programmatic group capabilities;

(4) contribute to other group developmental activities and participate in internal and external collaborations as necessary; and

(5) prepare periodic progress reports, presentations and manuscripts for publications and presentations as appropriate.
 

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
 
A strong background in nuclear or radiochemistry, analytical chemistry, or isotope geochemistry is required. Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: radiochemical sample preparation, radiation detection and measurements, inorganic mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, separation techniques (e.g. ion exchange, solvent extraction, ion chromatography). Willingness and ability to handle radioactive materials, including plutonium, in a rigorous safety environment. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. Strong communication and language skills, as evidenced by publications and the cover letter, are required.
 

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance is required.

Desired Skills: Knowledge of advanced statistical treatments for analytical data. Hands-on experience with radioactive materials.

Education: PhD in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, Geochemistry or related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed

Additional Details:

Q Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
 

Pre-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
 
Candidates may be considered for a Director’s Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships.

For general information to the Postdoc Program go to http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php.
 
Equal Opportunity:

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-5627.
 

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Contact Name Tandon, Lav

Email tandon@lanl.gov

Work Telephone 505-665-5458

CRH ENG Postdoctoral Research Associate (Nuclear Technical Forensics) 288996
 
Posting Start Date
01/29/2014
 
Posting End Date
03/11/2014
 
Reference Code
CRH ENG Post Doc 288996 EB
 
Company Description
B&W Technical Services Y-12, L.L.C., a partnership between Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Group, Inc. and Bechtel National, Inc., operates the Y-12 National Security Complex under a prime contract with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Information about the Y-12 Complex can be found online at www.y12.doe.gov. The Oak Ridge and greater Knoxville, Tennessee area offers an exceptional quality of life with outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural opportunities at the University of Tennessee, a very reasonable cost of living, and some of the top secondary schools in the nation.
 
Organization/Department
Engineering/Development
 
Project
A full-time post-doctoral research position in nuclear technical forensics (NTF) is immediately available at the Y-12 National Security Complex. The appointment, funded jointly by Y-12 and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), is initially for one year, but can be extended for up to three years.
 
Specific Job Responsibilities:
The position primarily will be concerned with development of one or more NTF attribution tools based on machine learning and data analysis techniques. A nuclear attribution capability is described as a necessity in the mission statement of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Nuclear Technical Forensics Center (NTNFC). Day-to-day activities may include algorithm development and coding, data aggregation, statistical analysis, and user-interface development. There likely will be opportunities to collaborate with researchers at other Department of Energy sites, as well as with students at various levels.
 
Specific Job Knowledge & Training Required:
A Ph.D. awarded within the last five years, or soon to be completed, in computer science, applied mathematics, or statistics is required. A Ph.D. in a science or engineering field, along with prior work in machine learning, will also be considered.
 
A strong background in machine learning is necessary, as well as experience in one or more of the following: analytics, image analysis, uncertainty quantification, numerical analysis, data visualization, and software verification and validation. Some facility with programming is also required. An ability to work independently, and to manage and advance one part of a multi-part project, is essential.
 
A working knowledge of solid-state chemistry, radiochemistry, or materials science is preferred. In addition, experience with Matlab, and especially with the Matlab Neural Network Toolbox, is preferred.
 
A curriculum vitae along with a cover letter addressing how the position requirements are met and an academic transcript should be submitted online through http://www.y12.doe.gov/careers. The curriculum vitae should contain, at a minimum, the following information: education with degree dates; GPA with scale; name(s) of advisor(s); citizenship; relevant work experience; honors and awards; and publications and presentations.
 
Requires a Q clearance; however, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. (The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy “Q” clearance is required.)
 
Employment Fraction
Full-time
 
Y-12 is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you must also be able to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. All employees with a security clearance are also subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.
 
Y-12 is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.