NRC Invites The Public To Submit Nominations For The Advisory Committee On Reactor Safeguards

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is seeking qualified candidates for its Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS), which provides the Commission with independent expert advice on the safety of existing and proposed nuclear facilities, and the adequacy of proposed reactor safety standards. The ACRS also provides advice related to the integration of safety and security at commercial reactors.

At present, the committee is focusing on risk-informed and performance-based regulations; license renewal applications; power uprates; and the use of mixed oxide and high burn-up fuels. The committee is also increasing its emphasis on new reactor designs and technologies.

ACRS members are drawn from a variety of engineering and scientific disciplines, and serve a four-year term with the possibility of reappointment for an additional two terms. At this time, the NRC is seeking individuals with at least 10 years of experience in such areas as: thermal hydraulics, materials and metallurgy, plant operations, severe accident analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, design engineering, digital instrumentation and control, or nuclear analysis. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of accomplishments in nuclear reactor safety; those with pertinent graduate-level education will receive additional consideration.

It is the NRC’s policy to select the best qualified applicant for the job, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or any other non-merit factor. Consistent with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the NRC seeks candidates with varying views and diverse backgrounds so that ACRS membership is balanced.

Conflict-of-interest regulations restrict the participation of members actively involved in regulated aspects of the nuclear industry, so the degree and nature of any such involvement will be weighed. Each qualified candidate’s financial interests must be reconciled with federal and NRC rules and regulations prior to final appointment. This might require divestiture of securities issued by nuclear industry entities, or the discontinuance of industry-funded research contracts or grants. A security background investigation for a “Q” clearance (or the transfer of an up-to-date “Q” clearance) is also required.

Candidates must be citizens of the United States and be able to devote from 80 to 100 days per year to ACRS business. Applicants should send a resumé describing their educational and professional background including any special accomplishments; professional references, current address and telephone number should also be included. Resumés are being accepted on an ongoing basis throughout 2006. They should be sent to: Sherry Meador, ACRS/ACNW, Mail Stop T2E-26, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 or by e-mail to sam@nrc.gov.

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