Overview: 

The ORNL Particle Fuel Forms (PFF) Group is seeking a motivated individual to join their research team to support the fabrication of coated particle fuel forms and other ceramic and metallic coatings to assist programmatic missions to advance coated particle technologies. The work is expected to primarily focus on supporting fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) and other gas phase deposition systems for processing of coated particle fuel forms (both surrogate and uranium bearing) such as tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel in the Coated Particle Fuel Development Laboratory (CPFDL). Responsibilities include supporting the development and operation of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, laboratory operations, and support of follow-on fuel characterization. The CPFDL houses a suite of characterization tools and instruments specific to fabrication and characterization of coated particle fuel. The position will require operation and understanding of the CVD coaters, associated systems. Opportunity to support fabrication efforts outside of the CPFDL and PFF group is also expected. Examples of analysis capabilities include particle shape and size analysis (shadow imaging, optical microscopy), and materials property analysis (density, anisotropy, microstructure, composition, etc.). The individual is expected to support coated particle fuel research activities by applying established procedures and following quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) approaches to support coating development as directed by programmatic needs and the relevant principal investigators. The individual is expected to engage in supervision and guidance of students, postdoctoral staff, early career staff, laboratory technicians working in the CPFDL to support laboratory fabrication and characterization activities. Regular interactions with program management to plan and execute strategic objectives is necessary. The individual is expected to take responsibility over key laboratory operation protocols and maintain functionality of key instrumentation and equipment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will:

• Support fabrication and characterization activities in radiological materials laboratories dedicated for fuel fabrication of coated particle fuel technologies
• Generate and review data reports following NQA-1 and QC/QA protocols
• Operate and maintain functionality of fabrication and analysis capabilities in radiological laboratories
• Support laboratory operations by maintaining safety protocols and documentation
• Collaborate with team members in the areas of fabrication, property measurements, and other relevant areas to advance science-based understanding of nuclear fuels materials
• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for QA, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety

Basic Qualifications:

• A.S. in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, or a related field and 2 years relevant experience.
• Experience in a research and development laboratory setting
• Experience with chemical vapor deposition processes, equipment, and operation thereof.
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Capacity to effectively work within a team to support a common goal
• Ability to effectively support completion of programmatic milestone reports

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, or a related field.
• Possess a background in materials science with a focus on the deposition of ceramic materials by CVD.
• Experience with materials characterization and property evaluation
• Experience with data handling
• Experience managing resources in laboratory setting

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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