Physical Metallurgy Postdoctoral Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field to advance processing–microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials. The role focuses on experimental research and collaboration within the Irradiated fuels and Materials Department.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD completed within the last five years, has strong microstructure characterization skills

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Physical Metallurgy, or closely related field.
• PhD must be completed within the last five years before appointment.
• Strong background in physical metallurgy and metallic materials.
• Experience with SEM/TEM/EBSD/EDS for microstructure.
• Experience in mechanical property testing and interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on processing–microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials.
• Plan and execute experiments using advanced materials processing techniques.
• Perform comprehensive microstructural characterization and mechanical testing.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and publish findings.
• Document activities through technical reports and peer‑reviewed papers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to new proposals.

Skills

Microstructure characterization

Mechanical testing

SEM/TEM/EBSD/EDS

CALPHAD Thermo-Calc

Advanced manufacturing methods

Data analysis

English communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science or closely related

Tools

SEM

TEM

EBSD

EDS

Thermo-Calc

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a closely related field for the Irradiated fuels and Materials Department. This postdoctoral researcher will focus on conducting research focused on understanding the relationships among advanced manufacturing processes, material microstructure, and mechanical properties. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

The position will involve the application of advanced materials processing and manufacturing techniques, comprehensive microstructural characterization, and mechanical property evaluation. The researcher will be expected to independently conduct experiments, analyze and interpret research data, and contribute to the development of processing-microstructure-property relationships for advanced metallic materials.

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take directions from other team members and peers.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Conduct research in physical metallurgy with an emphasis on processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials.
• Plan and execute experiments involving advanced materials processing and manufacturing techniques.
• Perform comprehensive microstructural characterization using techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and related characterization methods.
• Conduct mechanical property testing and evaluation, including hardness, tensile, creep, fatigue, fracture toughness, and other relevant mechanical tests.
• Analyze microstructural features, deformation mechanisms, phase transformations, failure mechanisms, and their relationships to material processing and mechanical performance.
• Use Thermo-Calc to analyze phase stability, phase transformation, and thermodynamic behavior.
• Document research activities and results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to the development of new research concepts and proposals.
• Maintain high standards for laboratory safety, research quality, and scientific integrity.

Required:

• PhD in Materials Science, Material Science and Engineering, Physical Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Strong academic and research background in physical metallurgy and metallic materials.
• Demonstrated experience in microstructural characterization using SEM and/or other advanced characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical property testing and interpretation of mechanical behavior.
• Strong understanding of the relationships among materials processing, microstructure, deformation mechanisms, and mechanical properties.
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated oral and published written communication skills in English

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing or materials processing techniques, such as additive manufacturing, thermomechanical processing, heat treatment, welding/joining, or other advanced processing methods.
• Extensive experience with microstructural characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, EBSD, EDS, optical microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience with CALPHAD-based computational thermodynamics using Thermo-Calc or similar software for phase equilibrium calculations, phase stability analysis, and prediction of phase transformation.
• Experience conducting and interpreting mechanical testing, including hardness, tensile, creep, fatigue, and fracture toughness testing.
• Strong knowledge of physical metallurgy, including phase transformations, microstructure evolution, strengthening mechanisms, deformation behavior, fracture, and failure mechanisms.
• Experience correlating manufacturing and processing parameters with microstructure and mechanical performance.
• A strong publication record and demonstrated ability to communicate research results effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality experimental research