Radiation Detection and Imaging Scientist

Requisition Id 12513 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Radiation Detection and Imaging Scientist to support the development of gamma ray imaging technologies. The successful applicant will contribute to development of imaging systems for a variety of application spaces, including special nuclear material quantification, nuclear and radiological emergency response, warhead treaty verification, and gamma-ray astronomy. This position resides in the Advanced Radiation Detection, imaging, Data Science, and Applications group in the Nuclear Science & Advanced Technology section of the Physics Division in the Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

ARDIDSA focuses on the development and evaluation of novel and advanced radiation detector and non-destructive evaluation concepts for basic science, nonproliferation, national security, and intelligence applications. The ARDIDSA group performs research and technology development to advance these concepts from conception to demonstration or deployment with particular emphasis on efficacy for real-world applications, including the use of radiation transport codes to model these systems and analysis algorithms to isolate signals of interest.

The gamma-ray imaging team at ORNL is a global leader in the area of coded-aperture imaging, particularly for imaging special nuclear material. The team is currently working towards fielding a system with multiple imagers for measuring plutonium holdup in gloveboxes for the Surplus Plutonium Disposition project, integration of imagers with contextual sensors for safeguards applications, and assessing imager performance for backscatter and emergency-response applications. The successful applicant could focus solely on gamma-ray imaging or also support other efforts at ORNL including neutron imaging, x-ray transmission imaging, neutrino science, low-energy nuclear physics, or application of machine learning methods to radiation detection.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work with sponsors and stakeholders to identify new applications for gamma-ray imaging

• Develop hardware and software to carry out technology demonstrations at DOE facilities

• Develop concepts of operation that address specific application requirements

• Develop, maintain, and execute Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations with Geant4

• Implement novel image-processing and analysis methods, including Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization

• Support deployment of imaging systems for demonstration measurements

• 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 fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in physics, engineering or related discipline

• Deep understanding of gamma-ray interactions and radiation detectors, including semiconductor-, gas-, or scintillator-based systems

• Experience developing experimental instrumentation for radiation detection

• Experience collecting and analyzing experimental data

• Data analysis proficiency including uncertainty quantification

• Proven track record of producing quality publications in a relevant area of study

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with design, simulation, fabrication, operation, and/or data analysis for position-sensitive imaging or tracking radiation detectors

• Proficiency with Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations with Geant4

• Software development for data acquisition, data analysis, simulation, or user interface development

• Proficiency with programming languages Python and C++

• Experience working with National Nuclear Security Administration sponsoring offices, including NA-22, -23, and -24, or other relevant sponsors

• Experience working in nuclear facilities and/or other secure environments

• Excellent human relation and oral and written communication skills,

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work as part of a team with a broad range of domestic or international collaborators

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 

Special Requirements:

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

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.  

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.