Uranium Chemistry, Application and Simulation Group Lead with Security Clearance

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Job description

Requisition Id 13708 Overview: 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. We are currently seeking qualified applicants for Group Leader for the Uranium Chemistry, Application and Simulation (UCAS) Group in the Materials Characterization and Modeling (MCM) Section within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) of the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD) at ORNL. A key mission of the NND is delivery of research and development needed to enhance the protection of nuclear materials and fuel cycle technology and prevent the theft, diversion, and illicit use of those materials or technologies, while at the same time allowing for their peaceful use in the global arena. The division is responsible for a range of expertise, facilities, and equipment and applies these combined assets to address R&D and operational challenges related to nonproliferation, safeguards, treaty verification, counterproliferation, and global nuclear security. The division activities also play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security. As part of our team, the successful candidate will lead the newly-formed UCAS Group comprised of staff who are recognized leaders focusing on research, development, and application of unit operation technologies related to uranium processing for nuclear nonproliferation with an emphasis on UF6. The group consists primarily of chemical engineers and chemists with expertise in nuclear material processing and nuclear material assessments. Specific roles and responsibilities for this position are provided below. Major Duties/Responsibilities: Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group capability strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects and applied technical support to position the group for future success.
Develop and implement plans to enhance and use group capabilities and/or expand existing efforts.
Develop, manage, and implement projects that provide valued and timely deliverables supporting nuclear nonproliferation missions.
Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group's strategy and members' long-term career goals.
Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.
Provide relevant input to assist the MCM Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on a regular basis.
Encourage staff to "think and dream big," take appropriate risks in their work, and develop skills that will enable them to pursue new ideas, scientific passions, and research programs.
Advance the reputation of UCAS group members and standing of the group through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
Support group members by consistently reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards.
Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and aspire to be the best in their field.
Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
Coach and mentor staff regarding ORNLs "Safe Conduct of Research" principles.
Lead safety and quality stance by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
Exemplify a commitment to excellence by modeling lab expectations for impactful research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.
Assume front-line responsibility for safety in the group's laboratories; mentor and empower the Laboratory Space Managers to create a strong safety culture.
Occasional domestic and international travel required.
All team members deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success. Basic Qualifications: PhD in radiochemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent field and four (4) years relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience leading R&D teams with a focus on nuclear nonproliferation.
Program development experience, preferably with relevant offices within DOE and NNSA. Preferred Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and associated technologies and operations.
R&D track record in areas relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle.
Knowledge of science and technology issues associated with nonproliferation and counterproliferation.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a teaming environment.
Experience working with vacuum systems.
Experience processing and handling uranium in various chemical and physical forms.
Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Motivation and be a 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 is not available for this position. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. Please submit two (2) letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to with the position title and number referenced in the subject line. Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile: Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
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Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document Benefits at ORNL: ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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: . 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 . 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.

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