Used Fuel Disposition Group Leader

Requisition Id 13893 

Overview: 

Nuclear energy found a home at Oak Ridge National Laboratory 80 years ago and never left. Today we build on our legacy of innovation, bridging from world-leading scientific discoveries to market-ready nuclear technologies. With more than 240 researchers and technical professionals, the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) is a global leader in integrating the expertise of many disciplines to develop and demonstrate exciting new nuclear fuels, nuclear power systems, and the numerous supporting technologies the enable efficient, safe and secure delivery of the benefits of nuclear – today, tomorrow, and always.   

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Group Leader of the Used Fuel Disposition Group. This position resides in the in the Integrated Fuel Cycle Section, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, and Fusion and Fission and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  This position will grant you the rare opportunity to develop and lead research programs that work with used nuclear fuel in search of executable solutions for the disposition of this material. The group focusses on solving problems related to the storage, transportation, disposal, and reprocessing of nuclear materials and radioactive wastes. The accomplished staff within the group currently perform research ranging from the characterization and performance of extended burnup fuel and cladding,  deliver used fuel characterization solutions through the application of advanced modeling and simulation capabilities, and insights that support industry and regulatory decisions.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Lead a research and development portfolio of applied science relating to the disposition of existing LWR fuel and advanced fuel forms.
• Provide technical leadership and science driven vision of growth for the group R&D portfolio.
• Provide mentoring and career development strategies for the team of scientist and engineers.
• Lead and submit proposals for competitively funded research applicable to used fuel research and used fuel disposition/ management strategies.
• Engage with domestic and international researchers to leas workshops, working groups and conferences on used fuel disposition strategies.
• Serve in professional societies and committees.
• Collate and document research performed in technical memos, present research at national and international meetings, and publish in peer reviewed journals where appropriate.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar field, and a minimum of six years of related experience beyond the PhD is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the processing and handling of nuclear materials.
• Experience with leading teams and developing people.
• Hands on experience with handling of nuclear materials in hot cells, gloveboxes and fume hoods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong background in nuclear fuel cycle materials and processing in high radiation environments.
• Experience directing and supporting the work of early career researchers.
• Proven track record in knowledge management.
• Proven track record of funding acquisition for complex research projects.
• 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 Requirement:

• 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 extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for 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.

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.