NRC INVITES ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS FOR THE 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REACTOR SAFEGUARDS 

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

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

advisory group, mandated by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The 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. 

 Although a previous announcement in June invited nominations to the ACRS, an 

additional vacancy needs to be filled so the date to accept resumes is extended to April 13. Those 

who have already submitted resumes need not resubmit paperwork. The NRC will consider their 

information along with those from the revised solicitation. 

 The Commission is seeking to fill multiple vacancies with individuals having technical 

expertise in the area of nuclear engineering coupled with operational exposure to issues relative 

to new reactor designs pertaining to digital instrumentation and control, civil/structural 

engineering, or radiation protection. 

The current 15-member ACRS includes individuals who possess specific technical 

expertise along with a broad perspective in addressing nuclear safety concerns. Committee 

members are selected from a variety of engineering and scientific disciplines, such as risk 

assessment, digital instrumentation and control, chemistry, mechanical, civil and nuclear 

engineering, materials sciences, health physics and earth sciences. 

 For these positions, a candidate must have at least 10 years of broad experience in nuclear 

engineering coupled with operational experience relative to new reactor designs such as digital 

instrumentation and control, civil/structural engineering, or radiation protection. 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 period of 12 years. Criteria used to evaluate candidates include: 

• education and experience, 

• demonstrated skills in nuclear material and radiation protection, 

NRC NEWS

U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 

Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 

E-mail: opa.resource@nrc.gov

Site: http://www.nrc.gov

No. 10-013 January 14, 2010
• the ability to solve complex technical problems, and 

• the ability to work collegially on a board, panel or committee. 

 Consistent with Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, the Commission seeks 

candidates with varying views and diverse backgrounds so that the membership on the 

Committee is balanced in terms of the points of view represented and functions to be performed. 

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

that is mandatory for all ACRS members. 

 Candidates for ACRS appointments are not prohibited from being involved in or having 

financial interests related to NRC-regulated aspects of the nuclear industry. However, 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 

may require divestiture of securities or discontinuance of certain contracts or grants. Information 

regarding these restrictions will be provided upon request. 

 The ACRS’ primary focus is on safety issues associated with the operation of 104 

commercial nuclear power plants in the United States and regulatory initiatives including riskinformed and performance-based regulations, license renewal, power uprates, and the use of 

mixed oxide and high burnup fuels. In addition, the ACRS may be requested to provide advice 

on radiation protection, radioactive waste management and earth sciences in the agency’s 

licensing reviews for fuel fabrication, enrichment and waste disposal facilities. 

 The ACRS also focuses on safety issues associated with new reactor designs and 

technologies. These include 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, reactor core performance, nuclear 

materials and radiation. Additional information on the ACRS is available on NRC’s Web site at: 

http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/regulatory/advisory/acrs.html. 

 Interested individuals should submit résumés describing their educational and 

professional background including any special accomplishments, publications, and professional 

references. Candidates should also provide their current mailing address, telephone number, and 

e-mail 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. 

 Resumes should be sent to Kendra Freeland, ACRS, Mail Stop T2E-26, U.S. Nuclear 

Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001 or emailed to Kendra.Freeland@nrc.gov. 

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