Associate R&D Staff - Energy and Control Systems Security

Requisition Id 13564 

Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge 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.

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for Associate R&D Staff for Energy and Control Systems Security (ECSS) in the Cyber Resilience and Intelligence Division.  The Associate R&D Staff position affords the unique opportunity to work on critical national security missions with a group of dedicated R&D professionals and establish ORNL as a premier R&D organization. The ECSS Group researches and develops technologies to address risks within the national critical infrastructure with emphasis on energy, manufacturing, vehicles, and buildings.

Purpose:

This position will participate in innovative Research and Development (R&D) for the group that strategically advances science and technology (S&T) consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture. The Associate R&D Staff reports to the Group Leader and works closely with the R&D Section Head to implement the scientific vision; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated—a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

The National Security Sciences Directorate conducts R&D to confront some of the nation’s most difficult security challenges and adversaries. Our directorate houses S&T leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory’s exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, and computing. Our multi-disciplinary research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform independent and impactful R&D for example, innovative S&T delivered to sponsors, successful proposals, S&T presentations, professional community engagement, inventions/patents/copyrights, publications as appropriate.
• Aid in program development activities through sponsor engagements, preparation of proposals and white papers, participation in workshops, and others.
• Aid in implementing plans to bring to bear new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Lead by example by exercising scientific integrity in proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Lead by example to ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Advance the reputation and standing of the group through collaborations, professional society leadership, and involvement.
• All team members 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 electrical engineering with a focus in power systems or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Operational and/or R&D experience (or equivalent) in power system resiliency, cyber-physical security, or a complementary field.
• Demonstrated R&D experience in U.S. critical infrastructure systems, namely resiliency and stability of the electric power grid, system protection, emulation, and digital twin development.
• 3+ years of experience in large project/program management and/or research management at a research institution, or government entity.
• Experience with existing or innovative systems  used in modeling, testbed design, or digital validation of grid resiliency.
• A proven publication record in the field of interest.

Prefered Qualifications:

• Familiarity and use of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850)
• Experience working with industry in increasing electric grid resiliency.
• Experience working with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testbeds and integration of research components.
• Active in professional associations and industry working groups.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.  

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated 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.

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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.