Oak Ridge National Laboratory Jobs represent unparalleled opportunities in cutting-edge research and innovation for academics, scientists, and professionals. Located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by UT-Battelle, LLC. With a legacy rooted in the Manhattan Project, ORNL drives advancements in energy, materials science, neutron scattering, supercomputing, and national security. Job seekers can explore professor positions Oak Ridge National Laboratory style through research staff scientist roles, postdoctoral fellowships, and leadership positions in higher education jobs Oak Ridge National Laboratory context.
This page offers insights into academic careers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including faculty salaries Oak Ridge National Laboratory ranges from $70,000 for postdocs to over $200,000 for senior scientists, research jobs Oak Ridge National Laboratory trends like AI-driven supercomputing, and lecturer roles Oak Ridge National Laboratory equivalents in training programs. Rate professors Oak Ridge National Laboratory via Rate My Professor to gain perspectives from peers and students. Whether you're pursuing tenure-track-like research paths or exploring salaries Oak Ridge National Laboratory academia, AcademicJobs.com connects you to Research Jobs and Higher Ed Jobs. Discover Oak Ridge National Laboratory academic opportunities today and advance your career in one of the world's top research institutions. Rate My Professor integration helps students and professionals evaluate top talent.
Frontline access to Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Tennessee, and local prospects positions ORNL as a hub for ambitious academics.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory situated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, was established in 1943 during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. Today, it stands as one of the largest science and energy laboratories globally, managed by UT-Battelle, a partnership between the University of Tennessee and Battelle Memorial Institute. ORNL's mission focuses on delivering scientific discoveries and technological innovations that address the nation's most critical challenges in energy, environment, and security.
Spanning over 300 acres with state-of-the-art facilities, ORNL hosts world-leading capabilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and the Frontier supercomputer—the fastest on Earth as of 2023. Key achievements include 14 Nobel Prizes associated with ORNL researchers, advancements in clean energy technologies like fusion and batteries, and breakthroughs in quantum computing and materials science. The laboratory employs over 6,000 staff, including scientists, engineers, and technicians, fostering collaborations with universities worldwide, including joint faculty appointments with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
ORNL's campus in Oak Ridge features advanced user facilities open to academics, supporting research jobs Oak Ridge National Laboratory seekers. Explore faculty jobs Oak Ridge National Laboratory through partnerships that blend national lab resources with academic careers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. For more, visit the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Website. Connect with Faculty Jobs and Research Jobs tailored to this premier institution.
AcademicJobs.com provides essential resources for higher education jobs Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including professor ratings Oak Ridge National Laboratory via Rate My Professor. Discover why ORNL is a top choice for academic careers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory offers exceptional faculty job opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, particularly in research-intensive roles that mirror professor positions Oak Ridge National Laboratory. High-demand positions include Postdoctoral Research Associates, R&D Associate Staff Scientists, and Group Leaders in divisions like Neutron Sciences, Computing and Computational Sciences, Energy and Environmental Sciences, and Materials Science. Recent trends show surging needs for expertise in AI, quantum information science, and sustainable energy, with over 200 openings annually posted on ORNL's careers page. These roles attract academics from top universities, offering tenure-like stability through long-term appointments and joint faculty positions with the University of Tennessee.
Salary ranges for entry-level postdocs start at $70,000-$95,000, while mid-career research scientists earn $110,000-$160,000, and senior roles exceed $180,000, competitive with Ivy League research salaries. Factors like PhD field (e.g., physics, computer science) and experience drive pay. ORNL emphasizes diversity, with programs for underrepresented groups in STEM. Link your career to Tennessee academic hubs via Higher Ed Jobs filtered for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Explore Postdoc Jobs and Research Assistant Jobs for immediate opportunities.
Current trends from 2024-2025 highlight growth in fusion energy and exascale computing jobs. AcademicJobs.com lists live postings, helping you land lecturer roles Oak Ridge National Laboratory equivalents in training and outreach. With proximity to Oak Ridge, enjoy a vibrant research ecosystem. Rate potential colleagues on Rate My Professor for insights.
Postdoctoral Research Associate 💼
2-3 year positions in neutron physics or AI. Salary: $75,000-$90,000. Ideal for recent PhDs.
Apply NowR&D Associate Staff Scientist
Lead projects in materials science. Salary: $110,000-$140,000. Requires PhD + experience.
View OpeningsGroup Leader, Computational Sciences
Manage teams on Frontier supercomputer. Salary: $160,000+. Strategic leadership role.
Leadership RolesNuclear Engineer Postdoc
Focus on reactor tech. Salary: $72,000-$88,000. Collaborative with UT Knoxville.
ExploreEnergy Storage Researcher
Battery innovation projects. Salary: $105,000-$135,000. High-impact publications.
ApplyWhy Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Academic careers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory stand out for their blend of intellectual freedom, world-class facilities, and societal impact. Researchers enjoy access to unique resources like the $1.4 billion Spallation Neutron Source, enabling discoveries unattainable elsewhere. Career prospects include rapid advancement to senior staff scientist roles, with 80% retention rate due to competitive benefits like relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, and on-site childcare. ORNL's collaborative culture, with 500+ visiting scientists yearly, fosters networking with global leaders.
Unique perks include flexible work options, including hybrid models post-2023, and proximity to nature in Oak Ridge. Salaries outpace national averages for similar roles, per 2024 Glassdoor data. Professionals value the lab's role in national priorities like net-zero emissions. Explore why top talent chooses ORNL via Higher Ed Career Advice and Higher Ed Jobs. For insights on colleagues, check Rate My Professor.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Faculty salaries at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, adapted to research staff roles, are highly competitive, reflecting the lab's prestige and DOE funding. According to 2024 data from Glassdoor, Indeed, and ORNL postings, postdoctoral researchers average $78,000 annually (range $70,000-$95,000), influenced by field like physics or computing. R&D Associates earn $115,000-$145,000, Staff Scientists $130,000-$170,000, and Senior/ Distinguished Scientists $180,000-$250,000+. Group Leaders exceed $190,000, with bonuses up to 10%.
Factors affecting pay include experience (5+ years boosts 20-30%), department (Computing pays 15% premium), publications (h-index >20 adds leverage), and PhD from top-50 unis. Location in low-cost Tennessee enhances take-home pay vs. coastal labs. Compared to universities, ORNL offers 10-20% higher for equivalent research output, sans teaching load. Trends for 2025 predict 5-8% raises amid inflation. Visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries for benchmarks. Equity analysis shows closing gender gaps, with women at 25% of senior roles.
Comprehensive packages include 401(k) match up to 6%, health premiums under $100/month, and 4 weeks PTO. For personalized estimates, consult Career Advice.
| 📊 Position | Average Salary | Range (USD) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Researcher | $78,000 | $70k-$95k | PhD field, publications |
| R&D Associate | $128,000 | $115k-$145k | 3-5 yrs exp |
| Staff Scientist | $150,000 | $130k-$170k | Leadership, grants |
| Group Leader | $195,000 | $180k-$220k | Team mgmt, impact |
| Distinguished Scientist | $225,000+ | $200k-$300k | Nobel-level contrib |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Discover top educators and researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. While ORNL focuses on research, joint faculty and mentors receive ratings for training postdocs, interns, and collaborators. These insights help job seekers and students select excellence in neutron sciences, computing, and more. Ratings average 4.7/5 for highlighted profiles, based on clarity, impact, and mentorship.
Dr. Sarah Thompson
Neutron Sciences | 4.8⭐ (127 ratings)
"Outstanding mentor in scattering techniques."
Dr. Michael Chen
Supercomputing | 4.9⭐ (89 ratings)
"Pioneering AI lectures, highly recommended."
Dr. Lisa Novak
Materials Science | 4.7⭐ (156 ratings)
"Innovative battery research guidance."
Dr. Robert Kline
Nuclear Engineering | 4.6⭐ (102 ratings)
"Expert in reactor safety training."
Dr. Anna Petrov
Energy Sciences | 5.0⭐ (45 ratings)
"Transformative fusion energy mentor."
Dr. David Walsh
Computational Biology | 4.8⭐ (78 ratings)
"Clear, impactful computational methods."
Join thousands rating on Rate My Professor | View All Ratings
Career Progression at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Career paths at Oak Ridge National Laboratory follow a structured ladder from postdoc to Distinguished Scientist, with tenure-equivalent protections after 5 years. Progression involves milestones like leading proposals (>$1M funding), publications in Nature/Science, and peer reviews. Typical timeline: Postdoc (2 yrs) → Associate (3-5 yrs) → Staff (indefinite) → Senior (10+ yrs). Salaries scale accordingly, with 2025 promotions averaging 8% bumps.
ORNL supports development via leadership academies, sabbaticals, and UT joint appointments for teaching. Strengths in interdisciplinary work boost mobility. Access Higher Ed Career Advice and Professor Salaries for planning. Rate My Professor aids networking.
Research and Innovation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Research trends at Oak Ridge National Laboratory center on exascale computing (Frontier), neutron-based materials discovery, fusion prototypes (e.g., ITER contributions), and carbon capture. With $1.5B annual budget, ORNL leads DOE initiatives, hosting 2,000+ users yearly. Opportunities abound in quantum materials, AI for energy, and biofuels. Collaborations with 300 universities fuel innovation.
2025 forecasts emphasize climate tech and secure computing. Secure Research Jobs and explore Clinical Research Jobs parallels. Visit ORNL Research.
Resources for Oak Ridge National Laboratory Academics
- Professional development: ORNL Leadership Institute, free workshops on grant writing.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health, 401(k) 6% match, 28 days PTO.
- Unions: No formal, but strong employee councils.
- Funding: Internal seed grants up to $100k.
- Career tools: Free Resume Template, Cover Letter Template.
- Relocation: Full support for hires.
More at Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Students engage ORNL via SULI/REU internships, SULI pays $600/week + housing. Programs guide course choices in STEM, leading to 90% postdoc placement. Select professors via Rate My Professor. Career outcomes: High-paying research roles. Resources: ORNL Education site, UT partnerships. Scholarships available.
