Materials Science and Engineering Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory (INL); Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 101,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with employer contribution

Relocation package

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Materials Performance team. You will engage in research spanning materials, performance and characterization, process-informed science, and design of materials for harsh environments.

The role emphasizes modeling integration, collaboration, and dissemination of findings through journals and conferences. A 9x80 schedule at Idaho Falls with occasional relocations supports this premier national lab.

Qualifications

• PhD must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years of graduation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance (US citizenship required).
• Hands-on experimental research experience is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in materials science and engineering.
• Provide project management support for time‑sensitive projects.
• Characterize materials using SEM, TEM, XRD and mechanical testing.
• Analyze experimental data and develop models for sintering behavior.
• Collaborate with INL researchers and external partners on field-assisted sintering studies.
• Prepare and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Assist in preparing research proposals and project reports.

Skills

Experimental research

Data analysis software

Modeling & simulations

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Metallurgy/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SEM/TEM/XRD

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with a materials science and engineering background. The successful candidate will join INL’s Materials Performance team as part of the Materials and Manufacturing Department within INL’s Energy, Environment Science & Technology Directorate and contribute to research in the areas of materials, performance and characterization, process informed science, design, engineering and assessment of materials and components that operate in nominal to harsh environments (temperature, pressure, ionic concentration, pH, as well as other functional and applications). Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

Ability to integrate modeling and simulations into development and assessment of materials is an essential requirement for this position. Complimentary expertise is also desired in materials and manufacturing process development of high-strength, light-weight macro to nano-crystalline metal alloys. The candidate is expected to support existing programs in materials science and engineering. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment at a premier national laboratory.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct 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.
• 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

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.

Required:

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 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.
• Experience with hands-on experimental research.
• Proficiency in advanced data computational and analytical software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with advanced characterization tools and techniques.
• Demonstrated track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals.

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.