About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
What is Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, founded in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project. Located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, ORNL is managed and operated by UT-Battelle, LLC — a partnership between the University of Tennessee and Battelle Memorial Institute.
ORNL leads research in advanced materials, computational sciences (home to the Frontier exascale supercomputer), neutron sciences (home to the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor), nuclear and isotope production, fusion and fission energy, biological and environmental sciences, and national security.
Where will I work?
Main campus is in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ORNL has additional satellite facilities and field stations. Many roles are onsite due to scientific instrumentation, sensitive research, and security requirements; some support and computational roles offer hybrid arrangements.
What is the ORNL team like?
Approximately 6,000 staff including scientists, engineers, technicians, postdoctoral researchers, and operations professionals across the lab's major directorates (Energy Science, Computational Sciences, Neutron Sciences, Physical Sciences, Fusion and Fission, etc.).
Work-Life Balance
ORNL has run a 9/80 work schedule program since the late 1990s/early 2000s. Verbatim from the lab's official Reporter newsletter (web.ornl.gov): "Following a successful pilot program, ORNL will begin the 9/80 work schedule in early February. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off."
A companion Reporter article ("Like Fridays off? ORNL pilots 9/80 schedule") describes the 9/80 as "essentially a two-week schedule of eight 9-hour work days and an 8-hour Friday, which affords a Friday off every two weeks." Participation is opt-in, subject to supervisor approval.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off, opt-in)
- 4/10 schedule alternative for some positions
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Generous retirement / 401(k) plan
- Paid time off and federal holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development
- On-site fitness, wellness programs