Computational Instrument Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Computational Instrument Scientist to develop software analysis tools for powder diffraction instruments. The role sits in the Diffraction Section of the Neutron Sc scattering division, supporting HB-2A MIDAS/HB-2C WAND2 at HFIR, and BL-1B NOMAD and BL-11A POWGEN at SNS.

The successful candidate will focus on software for multi-dimensional data analysis, real-time visualization and modeling of disordered systems, with opportunities to work across

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field.
• Two or more years of research experience beyond your PhD.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific software development.

Responsibilities

• Refine data reduction, analysis and modeling software requirements to transition developments into sustainable products for the user community.
• Develop documentation and tutorials for data acquisition, reduction and analysis for users.
• Participate in instrument upgrade projects with a focus on software developments for data reduction, analysis and modeling.
• Triage and prioritize issues and bugs reported by users.
• Communicate software development activities to instrument teams in the suite.
• Support the User Program by attracting new users and expanding the community.
• Assist in development of beam time proposals and help users with data reduction and modeling.

Skills

scientific software development

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a Computational Instrument Scientist who will focus on developing software analysis tools for the powder diffraction instruments. This position resides in the Powder Diffraction Group in the Diffraction Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Applications are sought from highly creative and motivated individuals with demonstrated skills/experience in method development who will join the interdisciplinary team of instrument scientists that support the HB-2A MIDAS and HB-2C WAND2 instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the BL-1B NOMAD and BL-11A POWGEN instruments at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Additional information and specifications for these instruments may be found on the following ORNL Neutron Sciences website: https://neutrons.ornl.gov/suites/diffraction

As part of our research team, you will emphasize developing software analysis tools for multi-dimensional data analysis, real-time data visualization, modelling for disordered systems, or improved automation, that are applicable across the instruments in the suite. As part of your career, you will have opportunities to use other neutron scattering instruments at SNS and HFIR to pursue your scientific interests.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

You will interact with members of both the Diffraction Section and the Application and Software Engineering groups to:

• Communicate and refine data reduction, analysis and modeling software product requirements to transition new developments into sustainable products for the user community.
• Develop documentation and tutorials for data acquisition, reduction and analysis for users.
• Participate in instrument upgrade projects with a focus on software developments, particularly for data reduction, analysis and modeling.
• Triage and prioritize issues and bugs reported by users.
• Communicate software development activities to the instrument teams in the suite.

You will support the User Program by:

• Serving as an integral member of the instrument team.
• Attracting users from new areas of research, especially related to the topics of your own research efforts, to expand the user community and the impact of neutron scattering.
• Assisting in the development of beam time proposals.
• Assisting users with data reduction, analysis and modeling.
• Providing support to assigned users as local contact. This includes:
• Training users to use the instruments.
• Acting as the go-to person for these users (providing needed information, supporting users with computing needs, identifying how (or who) to address experimental issues).
• Addressing computing needs during experiments.
• You will pursue a high-quality personal research program using neutron diffraction, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field.
• Two or more years of research experience beyond your PhD (applicants with additional years of experience are encouraged to apply, and we will hire commensurate with years of experience).
• Demonstrated track record of scientific software development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with diffraction for materials analysis using either x-rays or neutrons.
• Previous beamline support experience in a neutron or synchrotron x-ray user facility.
• Experience collaborating with technical and scientific professionals, including support staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research scientists in academia and industry.

Special Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• and Employee Discounts.
• Relocation Assistance is available.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.