Passion | Purpose | Impact
We're chemists and physicists. Computer engineers and data scientists. Geographers and anthropologists. Biologists and mathematicians. Together, we are a team of 500+ scientists, engineers, analysts, and professionals working on exciting challenges and translating scientific research into tangible solutions for critical national security missions. We deliver these missions with shared purpose, passion, creativity, and innovation.
We love what we do
We love what we do
From nuclear threats and terrorism to cyber attacks and climate change, the national security threats we face are too broad and complex for any one discipline to solve. In the National Security Sciences Directorate, we bring together diverse, multidisciplinary teams to focus ORNL's resources and expertise on the biggest security challenges of our time.
Whatever your academic or career background, there's a path for you to contribute to meaningful national security missions.
What we do matters
What we do matters
We're modeling populations to protect them from resource scarcities and enable quicker responses when disaster strikes.
We're researching the threats to and from emerging AI systems to keep them -- and us -- safe from unintended consequences.
We're developing technologies to track in real time the safety and security of nuclear materials in transit.
The national security missions we serve and the science-based solutions we provide will bolster our nation's capabilities, strengthen our allies and partners, and ensure a prosperous global future.
#worthprotecting
What matters is worth protecting
What matters is worth protecting
Ultimately, we work in national security science because we believe the American way of life is worth protecting.
While our science serves critical national security missions — reducing nuclear risk, securing critical infrastructure, advancing human security, and accelerating manufacturing innovation — each effort is part of a broader goal: Preserve the freedom we enjoy as Americans. From our pastimes and pets to landmarks and landscapes, every day is an opportunity to reflect on the things that make the United States worth protecting.
“I came to the lab for the research opportunities, but the day-to-day work is about the people you work with, and I’m thankful for working with a fantastic team.”
- Software Engineer Sophie Voisin
“My work at ORNL is very fulfilling. I work with some of the best scientists in the world to deliver solutions with global impact in support of nuclear nonproliferation.”
- Nuclear Engineer Stephen Dahunsi
“Working at ORNL allows me to explore the topics I am most interested while knowing that the work I am doing has a real impact on the society I am living in."
- Computer Scientist Amir Sadovnik
"ORNL has an optimal mix of domain researchers and theoretical scientists who are dedicated to work together with a shared focus on solving critical problems."
- Mathematician Sreelekha Guggilam
Serving with Passion
It's a passion. A calling to serve an important mission. Hear why our researchers come to work every day to deliver the science that secures the nation.
Tackling Big Challenges
Our people are tackling the biggest challenges in national security, often working behind the scenes.