Apply at jobs.ornl.gov

Big Science. Big Impact.

Working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

$2.7B

FY 2022 funding

6,000+

employees

3,200+

guest researchers

annually

75+

nationalities

represented in

ORNL’s workforce

2

Nobel Prizes

957

US patents issued, 

2010–2022

Contributed to 

the discovery of

10

elements (61, 104–106, 

and 113–118)

At ORNL I am part of a team that is the best in what they do, and we work in an environment that 

encourages openness and diversity while placing a high value on research excellence and integrity. 

The combination of flagship strengths in quantum materials, neutron scattering, and highperformance computing coupled with the direct positive impact our work has on people’s lives 

and the planet makes work at ORNL equal parts challenging, stimulating, and fulfilling.”

—Powder Diffraction Group Leader Clarina dela Cruz

When I first arrived at ORNL, I was fascinated by the lab’s world-class facilities and breadth of 

research. As time went on I realized that nuclear processes I’d only read about were a vital part of 

the laboratory’s fabric, and I began to meet scientists who had written the very journal articles 

and books I’d studied for many years. Rather than trying to glean information through reading, 

I simply walk across campus and meet with the world’s foremost experts. The best part of 

working at ORNL, even as a late career scientist, is that I get to learn something new and 

fascinating virtually every day.”

—Materials Characterization Section Head Paula Cable-Dunlap

What ORNL Staff Say about Working Here

Developing and applying state-of-the-art machine learning methods to complex physics applications 

requires exceptionally powerful and accurate computational resources in order to balance the 

stability, accuracy, robustness, and reliability of predictive results. With Frontier at ORNL I will be 

able to achieve this balance better than I could on any other supercomputer in the world.”

—Computational Scientist Max Lupo Pasini

10

highly cited

researchers

300

postdocs

2,600+

FY 2022 scientific 

journal publications

For nearly 80 years, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has shaped the world with discoveries in neutron 

science, high-performance computing, advanced materials, biology and environmental science, nuclear 

science and isotopes, and national security.
Total Rewards and Amenities

Combined with competitive salaries, ORNL offers employees and their families a comprehensive and valuable benefits 

program. ORNL also has numerous on-site amenities that make life more convenient. 

Life at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

ORNL was established in 1943 during the Manhattan Project and, for nearly 80 years, 

has been a leader in science and energy research. Today, as America’s largest science 

and energy laboratory, ORNL is a thriving multiprogram research campus with 

world-leading facilities and 6,000+ talented employees from over 70 countries 

who are innovators in their fields.

ORNL staff have innumerable opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge 

scientific, operational, engineering, and support activities. In addition, ORNL 

offers professional development training at no cost to employees, supports 

numerous employee resource groups that promote diversity and inclusion 

efforts across the Laboratory, and provides networking opportunities.

Ideal Location

Located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, ORNL’s campus is just 

1 hour away from the nation's most visited national park. Within a day’s drive 

of all major cities on the East Coast, ORNL provides the best of both worlds: 

proximity to the great outdoors and growing urban centers with diverse 

cultural attractions. The city of Oak Ridge has 150 miles of shoreline for 

water recreation, rowing, and boating. Nearby Knoxville is home to the 

thriving research campus of the University of Tennessee and a historic 

downtown known for its dining, theaters, shopping, and cultural and 

music festivals.

In addition, East Tennessee is affordable, with a cost of living 8% lower 

than the national average* and no state income tax. It is one of the 

safest areas in the United States and has excellent school systems. The 

Oak Ridge Schools system is one of the highest performing school 

districts in Tennessee and maintains various STEM certifications.

Learn More: www.ornl.gov/who-we-are

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle LLC for the US Department of Energy.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates, including individuals with 

disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. ORNL is an E-Verify employer.

22-G03108 January 2023

Pay & Perks Benefits Amenities

* According to data provided by erieri.com on 1/1/2022.

Competitive salaries

Bonuses and awards

Flexible work schedule

Professional society membership dues

Cell phone discount

Club ORNL discounts

HP discount

Apple discount

Employee club sports

Medical plan (dental, vision, HSA)

401(k)

Pension 

Educational assistance

Life insurance

Legal insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Generous vacation and holidays

Wellness programs

Disability benefits

Pet insurance

Medical clinic

Bank

Coffee shop

Cafeteria

Gym

Exercise classes

Walking/running trails