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Research Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Jan 08, 2026

Requisition Id15750

Overview:

We are seeking a Research Scientist who will focus on advancing experimental research into measurements of plasma radiative power to characterize impacts to device performance for fusion energy applications. This position resides in the Diagnostics & Control group in the Burning Plasma Foundations section in the Fusion Energy division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The D&C group carries out experiment-based research and development work in support of ongoing science and technology research for the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Conduct research on processes that arise from the confinement of high temperature plasmas, for example in the context of radiative energy from fusion-relevant research devices, such as tokamaks, stellarators, and the MPEX linear plasma device.
  • Build collaborative relationships with international and domestic scientists in support of research to understand the physics of plasma and to develop viable diagnostic techniques for use in magnetic confinement systems.
  • Routinely communicate results of their research in high-impact presentations, reports, conference papers, and key peer-reviewed journals.
  • Work with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and engineers in the areas of fusion energy research to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
  • Ensure a safe and efficient work environment and compliance with ESH&Q procedures and programs.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of professional values and ethics.
  • Deliver 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, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD degree in Physics, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of two years of experience in plasma diagnostic development and related science.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience at a fusion research facility or other large-scale experimental physics project or scientific user facility is highly preferred.
  • Proficient with scientific programming and the use of instrumentation.
  • Engineering, design and use of bolometry, thermography and other instrumentation is beneficial.
  • Incorporation of synthetic diagnostics into codes to validate modeling predictions.
  • A desire to mentor early career researchers and students.
  • 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.

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship is 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.

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.

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.

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