Gas Dispensing Chemist​/Engineer

Overview

The Enriched Gaseous Chemistry Group is seeking a Gas Dispensing Engineer or Chemist. This position will have two primary functions: conducting the dispensing of gaseous enriched stable isotopes and supporting advanced enrichment technology outcomes through gas chemistry and/or analytical chemistry research and development. This group focuses on gaseous chemistry R&D, production, dispensing to support the ORNL Stable Isotope Program. Specifically, we handle and dispense enriched gases, transform stable isotopic material into enriched gaseous products, purify and characterize enriched gases, study thermophysical properties of fluorinated gases, conduct material compatibility studies and support R&D efforts to advance ORNL's enrichment technologies.

This position is part of the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) and serves the nation by advancing enrichment technologies and providing enriched stable isotopes products. We lead the R&D and production process development for delivering stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission critical applications. As part of our research and processing team, you will work closely with a focused group of scientists, engineers, and technicians on challenging, fast-paced technical projects and operations in support of the DOE Isotope Program and specifically associated with the rapidly growing field of stable isotope enrichment.

• Lead the entire gas dispensing process—including transloading, separation, mixing, and/or trapping—to final dispensing of enriched stable isotopes while ensuring near-zero loss.
• Maintain the National Stable Isotope Repository through proper materials handling, transport, storage, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Advance enrichment technology outcomes through gas chemistry and/or analytical chemistry R&D.
• Research, develop and execute low-loss synthesis and purification methods to produce high-purity enriched gas from enriched solids or gaseous material and/or.
• Utilize state-of-the-art analytical tools such as mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography and other techniques to evaluate and characterize enriched gases.
• Validate and optimize process performance by integrating analytical feedback into the continuous improvement of synthesis, purification, dispensing and gas conversion methods.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and operator aids or guidelines on all activities.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Demonstrate dedication to strong teaming and a positive culture within the organization.
• 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.

• PhD in branches of Chemistry or Material Science or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 2 years of technical experience in a lab environment.
• Safety mindset when handling compressed, fluorinated, and/or enriched gases.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the Laboratory.
• Ability to solve advanced research problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

• Experience with lab equipment operation, start-up, and maintenance
• Experience with gas handling, gas transloading, and gas synthesis
• Experience in inorganic and/or analytical chemistry
• Experience with pressure/vacuum systems operation and maintenance
• Experience with mass spectrometry
• Ability to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance

• Q or 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.…