Applied Data Scientist - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 13639 

Overview:  

We are seeking an Applied Data Scientist to perform research and development of novel and advanced AI/ML algorithms. This R&D will support a broad user base with applications including: autonomous robotic control; AI-enhanced data retrieval and inference; multi-modal, networked detector systems; gamma spectroscopy; radiation imaging and 3D reconstruciton; data-mining; anomaly detection; and neuromorphic computing. This role resides in the Advanced Detection and Applied Data Science (ADADS) group, Nuclear Structure & Advanced Technologies Section, Physics Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

ADADS draws from fundamental physics to develop technologies and processes that support the design, development, and deployment of high-sensitivity detection systems for measuring radiation and other physics phenomenologies. The group 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 organizations. The ADADS group performs the research and technology development to evolve these advanced concepts from conception to demonstration or deployment with particular emphasis on sensitivity and specificity in actual field operations, including use of radiation transport codes to model these systems and analysis codes to isolate signals of interest.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• In this role, you will work with research staff within ADADS and throughout ORNL to develop and apply modern data science/machine learning techniques to a wide variety of subjects including nuclear material detection, nuclide identification, and radioactive materials localization capabilities to support nuclear security missions.
• The research involves development and testing of novel data analytics processes and specialized algorithms to improve measurement efficiency and reduce uncertainties. 
• Results will be documented by publication in high impact papers, journals, conference papers and technical reports.
• The work will involve collaboration in a team environment performing project work and developing research proposals.
• You will also 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:

• PhD in computer science, physics, statistics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics or a related field. A master’s degree in computer science, physics, statistics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics or a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in data science may also be considered.
• Demonstrated capabilities and experience in data science or data analytics
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of the detection of radioactive materials through measurement of ionizing radiation
• Experience in one or more of the following machine learning (ML) research areas:
  • Natural language processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs),
  • Reinforcement Learning (RL) and/or autonomous robotic control
  • Computer vision (2D/3D object detection/segmentation; depth/pose estimation, image captioning/text extraction)
  • Unsupervised/Semi-supervised learning and data mining techniques (clustering, embeddings, dimensionality reduction, anomaly detection)
  • Physics informed machine learning
• Practical experience using ML models:
  • Dataset curation and preprocessing
  • Applications leveraging off-the-shelf ML models
  • Fine-tuning pre-trained models for specific tasks
  • Designing and training models, especially deep-learning models, from scratch
  • ML-Ops experience (model deployment, model/code/dataset management)
• Familiarity with relevant technologies such as:
  • Computer programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C, C++, and R
  • Machine learning libraries such as Pytorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, and OpenCV
  • Interactive data visualization tools such as jupyter-widgets, D3, three.js, and/or plotly
  • 3D game development software such as Unity including VR/AR packages
  • Linux, Docker and Git
• Commitment to stay current with modern data analytics/machine learning trends
• A strong interest in problem solving and applying new skills and methods
• Excellent human relation and oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment with a broad range of domestic or international collaborators
• Ability to work both independently, with minimal supervision, or as an effective member of an agile development team

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.