Our ARPA-E CURIE Proposal was Selected!

In collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, our project, Group Hexavalent Actinide Separation: A Single-Step, Proliferation-Resistant Approach to Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing, has been selected for funding by the ARPA-E CURIE program. This project aims to develop a single-step technology to recycle used nuclear fuel (UNF) that can recover the bulk of uranium (U) and transuranics (TRU) as the first step after dissolution in nitric acid. We will work toward the recycling of UNF through the co-crystallization of oxidized TRU with uranyl nitrate hexahydrate. This single-step, group actinide separation will (1) significantly reduce the volume of light-water reactor high-level radioactive waste that requires permanent disposal, (2) provide an appropriate fuel feedstock by combining U/TRU in a single product stream, (3) reduce fission product content in the product stream to <0.1%, and (4) provide compatibility with online monitoring technologies.

Congratulation to Michael Jones!

Congratulation to Michael Jones who participated in the HIPPO: Horizon‐broadening Isotope Production Pipeline Opportunities collaboration end of summer week-long visit to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The visit spanned the week of July 25, 2022 and included networking session, guest lectures from prominent US Department of Energy scientist, tours of unique facilities housed at LANL, and culminated in a poster session showcasing the student’s summer research. Great work Michael!

Congratulation to Maddison Gibson!

Congratulation to Maddison Gibson who participated in the UAB Regional Initiative to Promote Undergraduate Participation in Experimental and Computational Materials Research program, which is supported by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The program culminated Ms. Gibson presenting her work in both an oral session for the UAB REU program and a poster session at the UAB Summer 2022 Research Expo. Great work Maddison!

New Summer Student!

The Burns Research Lab welcomes Ms. Maddison Gibson as a summer researcher. Maddison is a participant in the UAB Regional Initiative to Promote Undergraduate Participation in Experimental and Computational Materials Research program, which is supported by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

Ms. Gibson is a rising senior at Savannah State University, working towards a degree in Forensic Science. The UAB REU program runs for 10-weeks from the last week in May till the end of July and supports 14 undergraduates from around the country to come to UAB and conduct cutting-edge research across many different disciplines. 

Recruiting Highly Qualified Inorganic/Radiochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher

The Burns Research Group currently has an opening for a highly motivated inorganic or radiochemist. The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of activities in inorganic radiochemistry including: 1) the investigation into emerging radioisotopes for medical applications, 2) the design of nanomaterials for radiopharmaceuticals, and 3) the development of new technologies for used nuclear fuel recycling.

Relevant Skills and Experience

  • This position requires the successful candidate to be an adept, hands-on chemist with experience in inorganic, analytical, or radiochemistry, preferably with experience in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.
  • Fundamental understanding of metal coordination complexes in solution and solid phases utilization towards application of separations processes such as solvent extraction, ion exchange and crystallization is also desirable.
  • The ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment that embraces change, risk, and flexibility is needed.
  • This individual must be capable of handling multiple projects/tasks at the same time.
  • A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team with sense of urgency for timelines is needed.
  • The successful candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A passion and enthusiasm for innovation will be an asset.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and good interpersonal relationship and people skills will be needed.

Essential duties:

  • Design and carry out independent research focused on inorganic radiochemistry which could include: 1) the investigation into emerging radioisotopes for medical applications, 2) the design of nanomaterials for radiopharmaceuticals, and 3) the development of new technologies for used nuclear fuel recycling.
  • Obtain and analyze data from a variety of techniques including ICP-MS, UV-VIS, gamma spectroscopy, etc.
  • Handle radioactive materials in a safe manner.
  • Keeps meticulous records in laboratory notebook and online data management systems and initial analysis of laboratory results. 
  • Write technical reports of experimental data to meet the sponsors requirements and for manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed journal article publication.
  • Shares responsibility with other lab members for compliance with University safety procedures and maintaining common supplies and instruments. 
  • Conduct literature searches related to research projects.

Required qualifications:

  • Ph.D in Chemistry, preferably with experience in inorganic chemistry or radiochemistry.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • High quality, peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Skills/Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization
  • Experience with surface functionalization
  • Experience with radioactive materials

If you are interested, please submit a Cover Letter, CV, and Research Statement to burnsjon@uab.edu