Operations Supervisor - Transuranium Analytical Laboratory

Requisition Id 14467 

­­Overview:  

The Transuranium Analytical Laboratory (TAL) group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an Operations Supervisor to support daily analytical operations for Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC ) isotope production, Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) researchers’ isotope purification projects, and United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR)’s environmental monitoring programs.

As part of our team, you will support the Group Lead in managing advanced radiochemical operations for highly radioactive samples. Your responsibilities include overseeing technicians and chemists in sample preparations, separations, and measurements. You'll also contribute to the development of new protocols for complex nuclear materials. Your work will assist ORNL scientific staff in research, radioisotope production, and nuclear fuel R&D.

The position is a supervisory role for a radiochemical analytical glovebox laboratory and hot cell operations, with a 10-hour shift schedule. The selected candidate must be available to work a variety of shift schedules on short notice, including weekends and holidays.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Supervise TAL technicians and technical professionals, ensuring appropriate training and mentoring on high-level nuclear operations, TAL standard operational procedures (SOPs), analytical methods, and work aids.
• Assist TAL Group Leader to schedule and prioritize radioanalytical requests for research projects and provide work instructions to staff.
• Apply knowledge of radiochemistry protocols, instrumentation, and sample preparation techniques for analysis, including dissolutions and chemical separations.
• Coordinate hot cell, glovebox, and radiochemistry counting room operations.
• Maintain qualifications and provide expertise in high-level nuclear operations, containment systems, instrumentation, and protocols.
• Participate in the development, review, and validation of SOPs and facility procedures.
• Assist in troubleshooting complex operational issues and train staff in nuclear operations and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Serve as the TAL Nuclear Material Inventory and RMIS Inventory Custodian and Searcher on the Local Emergency Squad.
• Make all decision on acceptance, removal, transfer of nuclear material at TAL.
• Assume TAL Group Leader responsibilities when necessary.
• 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 BS degree with at least 5 years of related experience in high level nuclear operations including working in C-zone laboratories, glove boxes, and shielded hot cells. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (AS degree and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience or a HS diploma and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience). 
• Experience with gamma detectors, gross alpha/beta detectors, liquid scintillation detectors, and gas flow proportional counters is required.
• Expertise with sample preparation methods used in isotopic and elemental characterizations is required.
• Possess Rad Worker II qualification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A proven ability to work safely in accordance with ES&H standards and procedures.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks on time, and adapt to evolving needs.
• High attention to detail.
• Familiar with TAL SOP’s, Analytical Methods, and Work Aids.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in high level nuclear operations, TAL containment systems, TAL Radiochemistry Instrumentation, and TAL analytical protocols.

• 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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Special Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

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

HSPD-12 PIV badge:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.