NRC Begins Reactor Safeguards Committee Search
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking qualified candidates for appointment to its Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS). This advisory group, which is statutorily mandated by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 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.
The committee's primary focus is on 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. The group also may be asked 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, as well as facilities related to the Department of Energy's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
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, nuclear analysis and reactor core performance, and nuclear materials and radiation.
The commission is seeking individuals with technical expertise in the area of nuclear materials and radiation protection. The current 13-member committee 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 controls, chemistry, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, nuclear engineering, materials sciences, health physics, and Earth sciences. For this part-time position, a candidate must have at least 10 years of experience in the areas of nuclear material and radiation protection or digital instrumentation and control.
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. Criteria used to evaluate candidates include:
1. education and experience,
2. demonstrated skills in nuclear material and radiation protection,
3. the ability to solve complex technical problems, and
4. the ability to work collegially on a board, panel, or committee.
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 is fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and functions to be performed by the committee. Candidates will undergo a thorough security background check to obtain the mandatory security clearance.
Candidates 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 participation, 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 on request.
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 address and 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.
Résumés will be accepted until April 30, 2008. Résumés should be sent to Janet Riner, ACRS/ACNWM, Mail Stop T2E-26, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 or emailed to JML1@nrc.gov.