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Location

Oak Ridge, TN | United States

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Job description

Requisition Id 12517

Overview:

We are seeking a Scientific Associate for Low Temperature and Magnets who will focus on providing experimental support for neutron scattering experiments using specialized low temperature and magnet equipment. This position resides in the SNS Low-Temperature and Magnets Group in the Sample Environment and User Labs Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our team, you will support sample environment equipment and scientific experiments at a major user facility. Responsibilities include assembly, setup, troubleshooting, testing, repair and operation of low temperature capabilities such as liquid helium cryostats, helium dilution and helium-3 refrigerators as well as magnet systems and other unique sample environments as required. Other responsibilities include design of unique sample environments for neutron scattering. The successful candidate will be comfortable communicating with scientific staff and outside users and will give excellent face-to-face technical support. Special consideration will be given to candidates with previous experience in cryogenic sample environment systems, user support, programming, and/or electronics.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide a wide range of support to staff scientists and user groups to facilitate their experiments in a 24-hour user facility, with limited supervision, with timely response to emergent troubleshooting situations (often after normal business hours or on weekends).
• Test and prepare sample environment equipment for each facility operating cycle and maintenance period.
• Provide technical guidance and expertise about the sample environment equipment with special emphasis on thermometry and operation of ultra-low temperature and magnet devices.
• Troubleshoot sample environment equipment issues as they arise. Determine which, if any, technical support groups need to be involved, and work with them to resolve the problem.
• Direct craft and technical staff in repair, maintenance, and upgrade activities associated with the equipment.
• Analyze hazards associated with the sample environment equipment.
• Contribute as a subject matter expert or lead the upgrade and development of experimental capabilities, operating programs of equipment, and test procedures.

• Provide and assist in the documentation of sample environment equipment including drawings, specifications, user manuals, operating procedures, process and instrumentation diagrams, schematics to ensure system integrity and configuration control.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment as well as fabrication activities.

• Maintain inventory of consumables, hardware, and critical spares.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD degree with an emphasis on low temperature physics or magnetism and 3 years of relevant experience, a master’s degree in a relevant field and 5 years of experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 6 years of experience.
• Ability to work independently, respond to emergent situations, and apply sound judgment.
• Experience performing hands-on work to troubleshoot, diagnose, and debug technical equipment and systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience working with neutron scattering instruments.
• Experience in supporting a user facility.

• Demonstrated proficiency in data acquisition and control software, and CAD programs.
• 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 on time and adapt to evolving needs.

Special Requirements:

• Periods of moderate overtime are required. Ability to work outside the normal work schedule, including occasional weekends, with little or no notice.
• May include limited travel opportunities.

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

Final candidates may be asked to submit 2 letters of reference via email to [email protected].

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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 [email protected].

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.

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Salary