Corrosion Science Technician

Requisition Id 14760 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Staff Technician who will assist research and technical staff in conducting corrosion experiments in extreme environments with a particular emphasis on liquid metals and molten salt chemistry and compatibility. This position resides in the Corrosion Science and Technology (CST) Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will assist research and technical staff with the design, construction, maintenance and operation of unique research equipment and systems involving exposing specimens to controlled extreme environments including high temperature and/or high pressure to support research projects in the group. A focus will be on supporting research scientists with the development and implementation of techniques for preparing and purifying molten chloride and fluoride salts primarily for use in corrosion studies. You will perform tasks related to the preparation of laboratory-grade salts, including acquisition of raw materials, chemical processing, machining, and characterization. You will support experimental campaigns for evaluating the performance of structural and functional materials in static and flowing conditions and characterizing the salt and specimens after exposure.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Preparation of laboratory grade fluoride (including Be-containing) and chloride salts from acquisition of raw materials to final products.
• Assist in sample preparation, including salt purification, as needed.
• Participate in R&D activities associated with the analysis of salt samples for purity, moisture content, etc. using a variety of analytical equipment.
• Assist scientific and technical staff with documenting processes and procedures to aid in the preparation of molten salts for corrosion studies.
• Operate research equipment and systems involving high temperature, high pressure and/or corrosive gases including steam, sCO2, simulated exhaust gases, liquid metals, molten salts, hydrogen, etc.
• Assembly, disassembly, and troubleshooting of research equipment.
• Effective verbal and written communication with all group members, students, and visitors.
• Professional interaction with craft personnel and supervisors to build and repair equipment to enable safe and timely operation.
• 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:

• AS degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working with hazardous chemicals, acids, and molten chloride and fluoride salts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing, building, and operating laboratory equipment safely to simulate extreme environments including high temperature, high pressure, corrosive salts, liquid metals and oxidizing and reducing gases.
• Basic knowledge of working with chemicals.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Physical Requirements:

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

L clearance:

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.