Additive Manufacturing/Metallurgy- Postdoc Research Associate

Savannah River National Laboratory; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Health insurance (Medical/Dental/Vison

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to explore the metallurgy of additively manufactured refractory alloys. The work combines experimental metallography, advanced characterization, and computational modeling to support the nation’s defense and fusion energy programs at SRNL in Aiken, SC.

The selected candidate will publish in top journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with the Plutonium Technology Division.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, or related field (within last 36 months).
• Experience with additive manufacturing methods is preferred.
• Experience with AI/ML algorithms or data-driven materials discovery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare additively manufactured specimens for metallurgical analysis and mechanical evaluation.
• Conduct detailed metallographical analyses using advanced characterization techniques.
• Dissemination of research at national and international conferences
• Preparation and Publication of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Manuscripts

Skills

Additive manufacturing

AI/ML

Computational modeling

Education

PhD in chemistry or materials science (within 36 months)

Tools

ThermoCalc

Job description

The Plutonium Technology Division is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to explore the metallurgy of additively manufactured refractory alloys. Our team drives engineering innovation and scientific research by leveraging state-of-the art analytical and materials characterization, advanced manufacturing methods, and computational modeling to support the nation's nuclear deterrence mission. The successful candidate will work on a variety of research projects aimed at advancing our fundamental understanding and practical applications of refractory alloys, which are uniquely suited for fusion energy systems and national defense. This role provides the opportunity for growth in several high-impact research domains, including additive manufacturing, physical metallurgy, data-driven materials discovery via machine learning, and computational alloy design. The postdoctoral researcher will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing, characterization, and computational tools while contributing to publications in top-tier journals and establishing collaborative networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare additively manufactured specimens for metallurgical analysis and mechanical evaluation.
• Conduct detailed metallographical analyses using advanced characterization techniques.
• Dissemination of research at national and international conferences
• Preparation and Publication of Peer-Reviewed Scientific Manuscripts

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field (obtained in the last 36 months).
• For ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with additive manufacturing methods/processes and a variety of material characterization instrumentation.
• Experience with computational tools such as thermocalc.
• Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms.

"We put science to work!"

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state of the art science and practical, high-value, cost-effective solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken SC, the laboratory develops and deploys innovative technologies to address some of the nation's environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA) is constantly assessing trends to provide the best possible benefits to our workforce. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce.

Some of the Benefits offered to employees include:

Benefits vary based upon employment status

• Highly competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision options including HSA options with company provided seed
• Short- & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
• Life Insurance Non-Contributary 1X salary (company paid)
• AD&D Non-contributary 1x salary (company paid)
• Savings & Investment plan:
  • Qualified Non-Elective Company Contribution of 5% each pay period with immediate vesting
  • Company match 50 cents/dollar up to 8% (5 yrs. vesting in company match)
• Contributory Life Insurance up to 5x Salary with $1M Cap
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse and children)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Plan
• SRNL offers a competitive relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the About tab at www.srnl.doe.gov.

BSRA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. BSRA is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. Please email us at [e-mail] with any questions regarding the hiring process or to request an accommodation.