High Temperature Composite Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 89,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Education program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Battelle Energy Alliance in Idaho Falls is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with Materials Science expertise to design, synthesize, and characterize high‑temperature composite materials for harsh environments. You will explore oxide-oxide, non-oxide, and carbon-carbon systems and apply advanced testing to evaluate performance.

The role emphasizes microstructure–property relationships, thermodynamic modeling, and continuum-scale simulations, with collaboration across INL teams in a 9x80 schedule

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related field; must be completed by appointment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on postdoctoral research on high-temperature composites and materials systems.
• Coordinate project management for research activities with compressed timelines.
• Characterize materials using SEM, TEM, XRD, and mechanical testing.
• Analyze data and develop models for microstructure–property relationships in ceramics and composites.
• Collaborate with INL researchers and external partners to advance sintering and materials performance.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to proposals and research project reports.

Skills

Communications

Teamwork

Self-motivation

English fluency

DOE Q clearance

Education

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering or related field

PhD to be completed by appointment

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Mechanical testing

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory's Materials Properties and Performance group is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with Materials Science experience in high temperature material composites space to drive work on the design, synthesis, advanced microstructure characterization, and properties evaluation of high temperature composites such as oxide-oxide, non-oxide, and carbon-carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite materials.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the material chemistry-process-microstructure-property-performance paradigm; to utilize advanced testing methodologies to assess material and composite performance; to examine new structural/functional materials and composite systems designed for advanced reactors and other harsh high temperature environments. As well as perform modeling activities on thermal, electrical, and mechanical behavior to tailor processing conditions. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The High Temperature Composite Materials Postdoctoral Researcher will join the on-going and future efforts in the Advance Manufacturing Group with a focus on:

• Optimize the processing of newly developed composite and layered materials, oxide-oxide, and ceramic/carbon composite systems to obtain optimal size distribution, densification, and sintering behavior.
• Explore novel chemical, thermal, and mechanochemical powder synthesis techniques for ceramic matrix and composite precursor materials.
• Optimize sintering and densification routes and microstructural development in composites using state-of-the-art spark plasma/electric field assisted sintering as well as other techniques.
• Study the microstructure of newly developed materials and composites, and the environmental degradation of novel materials and composite systems, using mechanical (fracture mechanics) as well as other advanced characterization techniques.
• Design, fabricate, and characterize carbon-carbon fiber composites, including fiber architecture selection, matrix densification, and evaluation of thermal and mechanical performance under extreme environments.
• Perform continuum scale modeling of composite materials and structures using commercially available methods and software.
• Conduct research into the underlying mechanisms behind the microstructural evolution and degradation of ceramics and composites subjected to extreme environments.
• Perform thermodynamic modeling to understand the effect of compositional and processing condition changes on the equilibrium state of ceramic and composite material systems

The position will allow significant interaction with researchers with varying backgrounds and additional opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates will have background/experience in topics such as ceramic and composite processing, phase transformation, microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, finite element analysis modeling of thermal and mechanical material behavior, and fiber reinforced composites.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on research, development in the areas outlined above.
• Project management support for projects with compressed timeline.\\Characterize/understand how to interpret data collected from materials using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical testing.
• Analyze experimental data and develop models to understand the sintering behavior and mechanisms of formation in materials.
• Understanding of mechanical properties such as tensile, creep, fatigue, and Charpy-V notch toughness.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers within INL and with external partners to advance the understanding and application of field assisted sintering as it pertains to materials for harsh environments.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
• Contribute to the preparation of research project reports

Required

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Science, or other related and relevant discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years of graduation.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy \"Q\" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
• Knowledge of ceramic materials, ceramic processing, sintering, and complex phase diagrams required.
• Understanding of materials performance issues for materials under extreme environments is required.
• Prior publications in high impact journals with microstructure characterization is required.
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Self-motivated, but also works collaboratively with peers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Fluency in the English language and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and\/or move up to 50 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Position requires the ability to smell. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.