Requisition Id 15764
Purpose
The Glenn T. Seaborg Initiative (GTSI) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is committed to enhancing and maintaining US capabilities in actinide science and technology by helping to attract, develop, and retain the workforce of actinide scientists to meet the needs of the nation.
Topic of Interest
This position is supported by the Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) to advance the chemical processing of unique f-element isotopes, including Cf-252, Bk-249, Es-254, Fm-257, and Pm-147. A core focus of the DOE IP is to improve and develop novel chemical and physical processes for recovering and purifying radioisotopes from irradiated targets and waste streams. These efforts directly support the DOE IP mission to produce and distribute limited-supply radioisotopes, conduct transformative R&D in isotope production and separation, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign isotope sources, and strengthen domestic supply chains for national economic resilience.
This call seeks candidates interested in developing skills at the interface of fundamental and applied radiochemical sciences. Of particular interest is the ability to translate fundamental science into practical chemical processing approaches, including chemical separations, characterization, speciation, and related areas that advance DOE IP priorities for Pm-147 and the transcurium actinides.
Application Process and Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from January 7, 2026, March 1, 2026, for one position starting as early as May 4, 2026. This position will support one postdoc for two years.
You must first apply for the GTSI postdoctoral fellowship on the ORNL Jobs website. Visit jobs.ornl.gov and search for “ORNL GTSI Program.” Click on the job link and complete the application as directed.
Within 2 weeks following completion of your application, please e-mail the following documents to schrellsk@ornl.gov :
- Cover letter
- Current CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (one must be from Ph. D. advisor)
- Designated postdoctoral mentor
- A concise (1 page maximum) research proposal related to the topic of interest
Selection Process
The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Internal Review Committee will evaluate applications based on candidate excellence and relevance of the proposed research topic.
● Proposed Seaborg Researcher research project
○ Creativity and innovation
○ Impact on program’s mission
○ Research approach
● Proposed Seaborg Researcher candidate
○ Strength of candidate
Successful candidates must be approved by the ORNL Postdoc Program before receiving funding and performing research.
Final selections will be made by the Seaborg Initiative Leadership Team based on rankings, programmatic balance, project strategic importance, and budget.
Performance Requirements
The Seaborg Postdoctoral Researcher Program requires performance metrics of activities and resource management reporting. Successful Seaborg Postdoctoral Researchers are required to report project activities and to participate in program activities with funding dependent upon compliance with these requirements:
- Recipients are required to participate in the Actinide Science Lecture Series by both attending and presenting scientific lectures on actinide science in this Series
- Submission of a viewgraph and detailed proposal outlining goals within a month of starting postdoctoral appointment.
- Provision of a list of project publications and presentations each fiscal quarter.
- Acknowledgement of the Department of Energy Isotope Program as a financial contributor in all publication or presentation.
- Upon completion of the appointment, the recipient will be required to submit short reports on research progress, publications, presentations, and future employment status.
- Must have an ORCiD account.
Special Requirements:
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
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.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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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.
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.
