Research and Development Associate, Verification Technologies

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Advance global nuclear nonproliferation efforts through innovative scientific research and technology development.
• Support senior technical staff in the design, development, testing, and documentation of safeguards and verification technologies for international nuclear safeguards and related nonproliferation applications.
• Conduct technical analyses both independently and as part of a research team to support nuclear nonproliferation efforts, particularly focusing on advanced reactor technologies.
• Independently complete assigned technical tasks and solve well-defined technical problems using established methods, procedures, and discipline techniques, with guidance from project leadership as needed.
• Assist with development and evaluation of measurement concepts, algorithms, prototypes, and experimental setups (e.g., radiation detection/measurement systems, inspector-use tools, data analysis workflows).
• Perform data analysis, develop and document code, models, or analysis tools as appropriate, and contribute to interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across ORNL to leverage scientific capabilities relevant to verification technologies.
• Conduct research and development spanning from proof-of-concept to technology implementation and testing.
• Contribute to laboratory and field-testing activities, including preparation of test plans, execution of procedures, troubleshooting, and maintaining documentation.
• Prepare technical deliverables such as internal documentation, test reports, sponsor briefings, publications, and presentations.
• Contribute to proposal and program development.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary team members across ORNL and with external partners under the direction of project leadership.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and uphold ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications

• MS or PhD in nuclear engineering, physics, applied science, mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in one or more of the following: nuclear engineering, international nuclear safeguards, nuclear nonproliferation, modeling and simulation, and technology development.
• Knowledge of international nuclear safeguards and nuclear nonproliferation principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on technical assignments, apply standard methods to solve problems, and deliver quality work on schedule.
• Experience producing clear technical documentation and communicating results to project teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and follow established procedures including safety and security in laboratory and/or field settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with international nuclear safeguards concepts (e.g., IAEA safeguards), nuclear material accountancy, or verification approaches for nuclear fuel cycles and advanced reactors.
• Proven experience conducting independent as well as collaborative research in verification technologies, specifically in support of international nuclear safeguards.
• Self-motivated and skilled in both independent work and collaborative team environments.
• Working knowledge of domestic nuclear material control and accounting, international nuclear safeguards, and arms control treaty verification practices and technologies.
• Experience working with or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming, and/or modeling and simulation tools used in nuclear nonproliferation applications.
• Experience supporting experiments, technology demonstrations, or field deployments.
• Contributions to conference papers, journal articles, or technical reports as part of a team effort.
• Interest in professional development toward increasing technical leadership and broader project responsibilities over time.