Analytical Research Chemist

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Basic Responsibilities

• Reactor Salt Chemistry Management

• Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Operation

• Materials Compatibility and Corrosion Studies

• Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Monitoring

• Research, Development, and Technical Support

• Documentation, Reporting, and Collaboration

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Reactor Salt Chemistry Management

• Monitor and adjust molten salt chemistry to ensure reactor safety and performance.

• Develop and implement sampling and analysis methods for fluoride salt systems.

• Support impurity control and redox balance strategies.

Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Operations

• Perform chemical analyses using spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electrochemical techniques.

• Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure calibration and quality control.

• Support development of novel analytical methods tailored for molten salt environments.

Materials Compatibility and Corrosion Studies

• Conduct experiments to evaluate material behavior in contact with molten salts.

• Analyze corrosion products and develop mitigation strategies.

• Collaborate with engineers to recommend suitable materials for reactor systems.

Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Monitoring

• Ensure compliance with nuclear regulatory requirements and university safety protocols.

• Support radiation licensing and hazardous chemical safety, including beryllium exposure control.

• Participate in environmental monitoring and waste management related to chemical processes.

Research, Development, and Technical Support

• Contribute to ongoing R&D projects supporting a molten salt research reactor’s scientific surveillance layer (SSL).

• Provide chemical expertise to reactor operations, simulation teams, and cross-disciplinary projects.

• Mentor students and junior staff in chemical techniques and laboratory practices.

Documentation, Reporting, and Collaboration

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, sample logs, and analysis reports.

• Support preparation of technical publications, safety analysis reports, grant proposals, and regulatory submissions.

• Collaborate across disciplines (nuclear engineering, physics, materials science) to advance NEXT Lab’s mission.

Professional Development Requirements

Skills

• Strong foundation in inorganic and analytical chemistry.

• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation (ICP-MS, inert gas fusion, Raman, electrochemistry, etc.).

• Knowledge of molten salt chemistry and corrosion science.

• Understanding of nuclear safety, radiation chemistry, and hazardous materials management.

• Strong problem-solving and data analysis abilities.

Training Modules Required

• Radiation safety and licensing training.

• Chemical hygiene and laboratory safety.

• Hazardous materials handling, including anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and beryllium control protocols.

• Emergency response and spill prevention training.

• Advanced modules on molten salt chemistry and SSL integration.

Qualifications

Professional

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field (Ph.D. preferred). To be eligible for a dual faculty appointment, a master’s or doctoral degree will be required.

• 3–5 years of laboratory experience (academic, industrial, or national lab).

• Experience with molten salts, corrosion science, or high-temperature chemistry strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated record of technical reporting and collaborative research.

• Familiarity with NRC, DOE, and OSHA compliance standards.

Personal

• Detail-oriented and committed to safety.

• Strong communicator with ability to explain complex chemistry to non-chemists.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines.

• Self-motivated with curiosity for applied nuclear research.

• Passionate about advancing NEXT Lab’s mission in innovative nuclear energy.

Physical Demands

• Able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Able to stand 1 hour or more.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.