Date: Aug 26, 2023
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 10470
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.
The Glenn T. Seaborg Initiative (GTSI) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is committed to enhancing and maintaining US capabilities in actinide science and technology by helping to attract, develop, and retain the workforce of actinide scientists to meet the needs of the nation.
Topic of Interest
This call is supported by the Advanced Nuclear Fuels for Nonproliferation Applications program. This program focuses on developing new nuclear fuel forms and increasing the permissible service envelopes of known nuclear fuels in collaboration with industry and other DOE laboratories. The program’s goal is to screen and advance fuel concepts and materials technologies to enable high performance, compact nuclear reactors for remote power generation, space exploration, and other demanding environments. This objective requires advances in manufacturing technologies, improved understanding of nuclear fuel properties as a function of processing variables, development of novel test irradiation capabilities, and enhanced post irradiation examination methodologies. This call will specifically focus on topics related to solid state processing of actinide materials, radiation effects in actinide compounds or nuclear fuel systems, and property measurements relevant to development of nuclear fuel forms.
Application Process and Eligibility
Positions will start in the 2023/2024 timeframe, although earlier appointments are possible. Positions will support one postdoc for two years.
You must first apply for the GTSI postdoctoral fellowship on the ORNL Jobs website. Visit jobs.ornl.gov and search for “ORNL GTSI Program.” Click on the job link and complete the application as directed.
Within 2 weeks following completion of your application, please e-mail the following documents to palmerre@ornl.gov . Please note all supporting documents are due no later than August 31, 2023:
- Cover letter
- Current CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (one must be from Ph. D. advisor)
- Designated postdoctoral mentor
- A concise ( 2 page maximum) research proposal related to the topic of interest
Research Proposal Outline Requirment:
Proposal Title
Research Proposal by Applicant’s Name with ORNL Mentor’s Name
Proposal 2 Pages maximum including all text, figures, tables, graphics, and references.
Formatting: 12 pt Times New Roman font, single spaced.
Background. (1-2 paragraphs)
Describe the current state of the field.
Show that this research is novel and of high interest.
Describe the problem to be solved, the need to be addressed, or the gap in the knowledge to be filled.
Research Plan. (4-5 paragraphs)
Include proposal goals/aims, challenges, and expected outcomes.
Include internal and external collaboration plans.
Scientific Impacts. (1-2 paragraphs)
Describe how this work will impact the actinide field and if applicable how it will have an impact on the program funding this work.
Basic Qualifications:
- To be eligible you must have completed a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field within the last 5 years
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Selection Process
The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Internal Review Committee will evaluate applications based on candidate excellence and relevance of the proposed research topic.
● Proposed Seaborg Researcher research project
○ Creativity and innovation
○ Impact on program’s mission
○ Research approach
● Proposed Seaborg Researcher candidate
○ Strength of candidate
Successful candidates must be approved by the ORNL Postdoc Program before receiving funding and performing research.
Final selections will be made by the Seaborg Initiative Leadership Team based on rankings, programmatic balance, project strategic importance, and budget.
Performance Requirements
The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Program requires performance metrics of activities and resource management reporting. Successful Seaborg Postdoctoral Researchers are required to report project activities and to participate in program activities with funding dependent upon compliance with these requirements:
- Recipients are required to participate in the Actinide Science Lecture Series by both attending and presenting scientific lectures on actinide science in this Series
- Submission of a viewgraph and detailed proposal outlining goals within a month of starting postdoctoral appointment.
- Provision of a list of project publications and presentations each fiscal quarter.
- Acknowledgement of NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development (DNN R&D) as a financial contributor in all publications or presentations.
- Upon completion of the appointment, the recipient will be required to submit short reports on research progress, publications, presentations, and future employment status.
- Must have an ORCiD account.
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.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.
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.