Commission Graduate Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a senior scientific leadership position to advance the science and technology of materials for extreme environments, with an emphasis on the convergence of fusion and fission structural materials, reactor core materials innovation, and the expansion of nuclear materials research capabilities. This position resides in the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) within the Materials in Extreme Environments Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division in ORNL’s Physical Sciences Directorate.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), and Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), as well as industry, universities, and other external stakeholders, the selected candidate will leverage internationally recognized expertise in nuclear materials science to develop and lead innovative research programs that advance next‑generation nuclear energy technologies. The candidate will provide scientific leadership in the strategic planning and execution of initiatives that support the expansion, modernization, and integration of capabilities in nuclear materials development, irradiation experimentation, modeling and simulation, and post‑irradiation examination (PIE). Key responsibilities include advancing research capabilities in the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory and other irradiation and PIE facilities and/or expanding theoretical and computational modeling capabilities that complement ORNL’s experimental strengths.

The candidate will also play a central role in bridging fundamental and applied research to enable transformative advances in fission and fusion energy systems. Through research on radiation effects, microstructural evolution, degradation mechanisms, and materials performance in extreme environments, the candidate will advance the scientific foundation needed to develop resilient nuclear materials and technologies. This position represents a unique opportunity to strengthen ORNL’s leadership in nuclear materials science and technology at both the national and international levels while supporting DOE’s mission to advance clean energy, energy security, and scientific discovery.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Establish leadership in scientific research and capability expansion for advanced nuclear materials and radiation effects in materials science.
• Directly contribute to the laboratory’s vision of advancing breakthrough fusion and fission energy systems that are pivotal to the nation’s energy future.
• Develop new projects and programs by leveraging capabilities in experimental design, complex data analysis, technology and process development, and effective communication of findings through reports and presentations.
• Lead advanced research by applying scientific principles to engineer innovative solutions, mentor junior staff, ensure compliance with standards, manage budgets, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of organizational values and ethics.
• Advance ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace—in how we treat one another, collaborate, and define success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (with a focus on materials), or a closely related field
• A minimum of 10 years of post‑Ph.D. research experience in fission, fusion, or accelerator materials, or other materials for extreme environments
• A strong record of publications and citations
• Demonstrated leadership in scientific research programs, research organizations, or the professional scientific community

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in scientific research, such as serving as a program or project manager, with a record of mentoring early‑career researchers, postdoctoral associates, or graduate students
• Extensive experience in the post‑irradiation examination of radioactive structural or fuel materials, or in the analysis of materials behavior in nuclear reactor environments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by a strong record of publications in high‑impact journals and presentations
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively within collaborative, cross‑disciplinary teams across the laboratory
• Proven ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities, manage multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required security (Q or L) clearance immediately or within a reasonable timeframe

Special Requirements: Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: if you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Letters of Recommendation

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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.