Sample Preparation Associate

Company: Battelle Energy Alliance
Location: Idaho Falls
Posted on: January 14, 2021

Job Description:

Description--ORGANIZATION: Materials & Fuels Complex (MFC)

GRADE: 200/210

WORK LOCATION: Idaho Falls, ID (Site-4x10 schedule)

Idaho National Lab (INL) will impact the world's energy future & secure our infrastructure! Join us - innovate the future!

The Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) at Idaho National Laboratory is seeking applicants for Nuclear Sample Preparation Associate. This role reports to the Advanced Characterization and Post Irradiation Examination Department. MFC hosts an outstanding combination of personnel, facilities and infrastructure and offers the ability to perform research and development of nuclear fuels from fuel design, development and fabrication through post irradiation analysis.

In this role, you will apply your materials knowledge, sample preparation skills, and problem solving abilities to challenges in the areas of nuclear research and development. You will be the assigned as a Nuclear Sample Preparation Associate/Engineer for sample processing in hot cell environments, gloveboxes, and fume hoods for the purpose of post irradiation material examination. You will have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and will also be able to lead your own research in the world-class post irradiation examination facilities at INL, housing state-of art instruments such as high end Transmission Electron Microscopes, atom probe, plasma FIB with EDS, EBSD, and SIMS, X-ray tomography and diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopes, various thermal physical property and mechanical property measurements, etc. A brand-new facility dedicated to structural materials post irradiation examination is being constructed and will become fully functional in 2025, where advanced sample machining and high throughput testing and characterization capabilities will be available. All the facilities we operate are part of the national user facilities that are broadly accessible to industry, universities, small business, and national laboratories.

Responsibilities Include:

• 
  
• Daily preparation of high-quality sample surfaces using semi-automated polishing equipment
  
• Perform image collection and analysis using an optical metallographic microscope
  
• Development of novel sample handling and preparation techniques in coordination with facility, radiological, and other mission support staff
  
• Work with project and program leads to develop material specific preparation procedures and coordinate with various departments to aid in the shipment and transport of prepared samples
  
• Adherence to accurate radiological practices
  
• Maintenance of preparation equipment and ordering/stocking of vital supplies
  
• Ensure accurate location tracking and detailed material loss calculations in adherence to facility requirements
  
• Compile supporting technical project data for primary investigators for later publication
  
  
  Minimum Requirements:
  
  
  • 
    
  • Bachelor's of Science Degree in a relevant field required with 0-2 years of relevant experience.
    
  • Advanced degree preferred.
    
  • Broad knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of materials (metals, ceramics, plastics etc.)
    
  • Basic knowledge of various microscopy techniques and the information gathered from each
    
    
    Job Information
    
    
    • 
      
    • Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills
      
      
      --
      
      INL Overview:
      
      INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions.
      
      INL Mission:
      
      Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.
      
      INL Vision:
      
      Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
      
      Selective Service Requirements:
      
      To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.
      
      Equal Employment Opportunity:
      
      Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.
      
      Other Information:
      
      When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
      
      Benefits, Salary, and Relocation:
      
      We have an extremely competitive salary structure, robust relocation package, and phenomenal benefits. For more information, please visit: .
      
      
      --
      
      --Qualifications--.
      --Primary Location:--US-ID-Idaho FallsJob:--EngineeringOrganization:--Materials & Fuels Complex-MFC (Uxxx)Schedule:--Full-timeEmployee Status:--RegularJob Posting:--Dec 22, 2020, 9:45:37 PMUnposting Date:--Jan 23, 2021, 6:59:00 AM

Keywords: Battelle Energy Alliance, Idaho Falls , Sample Preparation Associate, Other , Idaho Falls, Idaho