No. 07-097 August 1, 2007

NRC INVITES PUBLIC TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking qualified candidates for

appointment to its Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS).

The ACRS is a part-time advisory group which is statutorily mandated by the Atomic Energy

Act of 1954, as amended. ACRS provides independent technical review of, and advice on, matters

related to the safety of existing and proposed nuclear facilities and on the adequacy of proposed

reactor safety standards. Of primary importance are the safety issues associated with the operation of

104 commercial nuclear power plants in the United States, and regulatory initiatives including

risk-informed and performance-based regulations, license renewal, power uprates, and the use of

mixed oxide and high burnup fuels. An increased emphasis is being given to safety issues associated

with new reactor designs and technologies including passive system reliability and thermal hydraulic

phenomena, use of digital instrumentation and control, international codes and standards for use in

multinational design certifications, material and structural engineering, and nuclear analysis and

reactor core performance.

Currently, the Commission is seeking individuals with technical expertise in one or more of the

areas of materials engineering, digital instrumentation and control, or plant operations.

The ACRS membership includes individuals who possess specific technical expertise along

with a broad perspective in addressing safety concerns. Committee members are selected from a

variety of engineering and scientific disciplines, such as risk assessment, chemistry, mechanical

engineering, civil engineering, materials sciences, and earth sciences. At this time, candidates are

being sought who have 10 years of experience in one or more of the areas of materials engineering,

digital instrumentation and control, or plant operations. Candidates with pertinent graduate level

education will be given additional consideration. Committee members serve a four-year term with the

possibility of two reappointments for a total service of 12 years. The Commission hopes to fill three

vacancies as a result of this request.

Criteria used to evaluate candidates includes education and experience, demonstrated skills in

nuclear reactor safety matters, the ability to solve complex technical problems, and the ability to work

collegially on a board, panel, or committee. The Commission, in selecting its committee members,

considers the need for a specific expertise to accomplish the work expected to be before the ACRS. 

For these positions, the expertise must be preferably related to one or more of the areas of materials

engineering, digital instrumentation and control, or plant operations. Consistent with the requirements

of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Commission seeks candidates with varying views and of

diverse backgrounds so that the membership on the committee will be fairly balanced in terms of the

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points of view represented and functions to be performed by the Committee.

Candidates will undergo a thorough security background check to obtain the security clearance

that is mandatory for all ACRS members. The security background check will involve the completion

and submission of paperwork to NRC. Candidates for ACRS appointments may be involved in or

have financial interests related to NRC-regulated aspects of the nuclear industry. Because

conflict-of-interest considerations may restrict the participation of a candidate in ACRS activities, the

degree and nature of such restriction on an individual's activities as a member will be considered in the

selection process. Each qualified candidate's financial interests must be reconciled with applicable

Federal and NRC rules and regulations prior to final appointment. This might require divestiture of

securities or discontinuance of certain contracts or grants. Information regarding these restrictions will

be provided upon request. 

A résumé describing the educational and professional background of the candidate including

any special accomplishments, publications, and professional references, should be provided. 

Candidates should also provide their current address and telephone number, and email address. All

candidates will receive careful consideration. Appointment will be made without regard to factors

such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disabilities. Candidates must be citizens of the

United States and be able to devote approximately 100-130 days per year to committee business. 

Résumés will be accepted until November 30, 2007. Résumés should be sent to Angelina

Chapeton, ACRS/ACNW, Mail Stop T2E-26, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC

20555-0001 or emailed to ahc@nrc.gov.

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