Position Open at Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Research Assistant NDA Systems Scientist – Engineer

Requisition Id 2280

Description of job:

The Safeguards and Security Technology (SST) Group, within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, seeks to staff a research position focused on development and application of nondestructive assay (NDA), data acquisition, and nuclear safeguards and security systems to support R&D missions associated with safeguarding and securing nuclear materials in both the nuclear weapons and fuel cycle industries.

The NND at ORNL is involved with improving the protection of nuclear materials and fuel cycle technology from theft, diversion, and illicit use, while at the same time allowing for the peaceful use of these materials and technologies. NND contributes world class research; technology development and deployment that plays a vital role in the implementation of global nuclear security and nonproliferation agreements. We have a range of expertise, facilities, and programs that focus on nuclear security challenges, and it is the combination of these activities that assist in meeting the overall mission needs in this area.

The mission of SST Group is to perform research that leads to development of novel techniques, tools, and methodologies that ensures the capability to confidently detect, measure, characterize, account, control and track nuclear materials as they are processed, stored, and transported. The research of the group specifically supports the advancement and application of technologies for nondestructive assay (NDA) systems, algorithms for measurement uncertainty reduction, measurements and measurement control software, tamper detection systems, data analytics for arms control, and other international and domestic safeguards technology applications.  In addition, the ability to provide assessments and consulting in these application spaces allows the staff to provide technology solutions that are directly applicable to the specific and unique facility needs are the diverse spaces they are deployed.  Many of the group’s R&D efforts involve the advancement of state-of-the-art safeguards and security systems, the development of new technologies and systems that improve the timeliness of diversion detection, and assessments of verification technologies for vulnerabilities. Partnering with a variety of subject matter experts at the laboratory, our researchers apply innovative solutions to address complex nuclear material measurement problems both domestically and abroad in support of nuclear material safeguards, security, and safety.