Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 1 day ago
Research Scientist
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expOak Ridge National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory focused on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges. They are seeking a Research Scientist to advance experimental research on plasma radiative power for fusion energy applications, collaborating with scientists and ensuring a safe work environment.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required
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
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Medical and retirement plans
Flexible work hours
On-site fitness
Banking
Cafeteria facilities
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
Employee Discounts
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (268)
2024 (276)
2023 (223)
2022 (228)
2021 (192)
2020 (152)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Director, Compute and Data Environment for Science
Brett Ellis
Group Lead - Business Systems Operations
Recent News
2026-01-03
2025-12-13
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