Group Lead, Melton Valley Radiochemical Processing

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Location: Oak Ridge
Posted on: April 8, 2021

Job Description:

Group Lead, Melton Valley Radiochemical Processing We are seeking a Group Leader for the Melton Valley Radiochemical Processing in the newly formed Radioisotope Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL.) The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division is responsible for production, handling, separations, and dispensing of a variety of nuclear materials. We are seeking applicants with experience in the fields of nuclear/chemical engineering, materials irradiation, and nuclear materials handling, to lead the processing and production of several radioisotopes and support general material handling within category II nuclear facilities. Melton Valley Radiochemical Processing---This group is responsible for the execution of all radioisotope production in the Melton Valley facility, including primarily Buildings 7920 and 7930 and is charged with continuing improvement of operations and safety. The group works in close coordination with operations groups from the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division to define and schedule a variety of interconnected radiochemical processing operations for efficient production of radioisotopes in hot cells within inventory constraints and with minimized waste. The group also conducts processing activities in shielded caves and glove box laboratories. The group provides input to processing procedures, sampling plans, and workflows to implement process improvements, and evaluates and tracks progress to inform scheduling and update inventories. Group members play key roles toward accomplishing infrastructure improvements and workforce development needed for mission success in growing large-scale programs.--Major radioisotope production activities currently include Pu-238, Cf-252, and co-produced radioisotopes such as Pm-147, Bk-249, and Es-254. The--Group Leader--brings together a group of peers with the primary goal of pursuing global scientific and technical leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL's culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact on isotope production and development. The Group Leader reports to and works closely with the Production and Operations Section Head to implement the group's scientific vision and production goals; develops group members to enable their career advancement; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one's respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated-a workplace that sets an example for the broader community. Major Duties/Responsibilities:-- Research Scientists/engineers/analysts are recognized leaders in their area of technical expertise. Initiates, leads and performs independent R&D on an ongoing basis. Leadership

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing isotope production and research projects to position the group for future success.
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• 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 Production and Operations Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis.
• Attract a quality, diverse pool of top candidates and hire staff members who are committed to world-class R&D and isotope production 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.
• Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a commitment to "One ORNL"-- by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.
• Service
• Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group.
• 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 the group members and standing of the group as a whole 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.
• Build strong teams across ORNL.
• Connect staff to your scientific network and professional societies.
• Hold regular scientific/technical group meetings and be visible in the labs and workplace.
• Assume front-line responsibility for safety in the group's laboratory; mentor and empower the Laboratory Space Managers to create a strong safety culture.
• Effectively communicate the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines. Accountabilities:
  • To group staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth.
  • To Production and Operations section head, for world-leading science and technology directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of products and services.
  • To customer, for the quality of products and service. Authorities:
    • Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading isotope production and technology directions for the group.
    • Hold staff accountable for performance.
    • Act to ensure safe and effective operations.
    • Certify the technical quality of the group's products and services. Basic Qualifications:
      • Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 12 years experience, or a B.S. with 15 years experience.
      • Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams. Preferred Qualifications:
        • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
        • Motivated 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. 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. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. 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.

Keywords: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Jackson , Group Lead, Melton Valley Radiochemical Processing, Other , Oak Ridge, Mississippi