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
– By Linton Levy –
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,
• 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 risk-informed 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.