Senior Radiochemist

Responsibilities: 
• Lead and assist experiments, including as a Principal Investigator at TerraPower.
• Propose, design and conduct synthesis of actinide compounds, develop chemistry and processes in high temperature molten salts, and support thermodynamic and kinetic measurements therein.
• Lead and assist in radiochemistry laboratory developments, including the design of flexible experimental chemistry capabilities to support TerraPower R&D activities.
• Prepare technical reports, peer review manuscripts, intellectual property documents and conference presentations.
• Maintain laboratory procedures (e.g., calibration, analytical methods, notebook results preparation, usage documentation).
• Perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines, including effective teamwork and communication with health physicists, authorized users and RSO.
• Emphasize safety in new and existing design and safe practices in all experimental activities.
• Assist in the training, developing, and mentoring of employees.
• Lead and assist in ensuring organization, housekeeping and effectiveness of TerraPower R&D radiochemistry use areas and production facilities is always maintained at a high standard.
• Perform other general duties associated with position as member of radiochemistry team to ensure ongoing effectiveness and continuous improvement of TerraPower R&D efforts.
 

Key Qualifications and Skills
• A doctoral level (PhD) degree in radiochemistry, chemistry, or equivalent disciplines with additional 5+ years of demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience and expertise in radiochemistry, chemical and radiochemical synthesis, and chemical separations.
• Demonstrated experience of bulk actinide and radiological material synthesis, processing or handling under controlled environments is required.
• Extensive background of the chemistry of nuclear systems and radiochemistry relevant to the fuel cycle.
• Extensive background in radiochemistry relevant to advanced nuclear reactor development.
• Demonstrated leadership within multifunctional teams and in the execution of complex projects is desired.
• Demonstrated experience working in inert and moisture-free atmospheres, such as gloveboxes and Schlenk lines, and adapting equipment for use in such environments is compulsory. 
• Experience designing and executing of experiments with high temperature molten salts preferred.
• Expertise in characterization methods relevant to actinide compounds is needed. The characterization techniques include ICP-OES, ICP-MS, TGA/DSC, XRD, alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, and chromatography (IC, HPLC, TLC), and experience with at least four of these techniques is desired.
• Experience in thermophysical property measurements and modelling is a plus.
• Experience with planning, design and execution of electrochemical, spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical experiments is a plus.
• Experience leading the design and execution of complex experimental studies.
• Experience demonstrating the highest standards with respect to safety and radiation protection in all work activities, particularly regarding NRC standards.
• Ability to understand requirements (regulations, codes and standards, etc.), incorporate them into TerraPower documents, and provide associated guidance to TerraPower personnel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills including technical writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
• Ability to structure and plan basic and applied research in the radiochemistry and other areas relevant to TerraPower.