Postdoc: Advanced Metals Processing & ShAPE Research

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, WA, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or materials science to advance solid-phase metals processing, including ShAPE and friction stir processing.

The position focuses on developing high-performance materials with tailored microstructures, performing mechanical property evaluations, and collaborating with metallurgists and manufacturing engineers to connect processing,

Qualifications

• PhD in related field completed within last 5 years or expected within 8 months.
• PhD in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, metallurgy, or related discipline.
• Experience with solid-phase processing approaches such as friction stir welding/processing, ShAPE™, or traditional thermomechanical processing methods including extrusion, rolling, or stamping.
• Experience with microstructural characterization and mechanical property evaluation of metals.
• Aptitude with mechanical equipment, machining, and experimental laboratory systems.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, plan, design, and conduct experiments involving ShAPE™, friction stir processing, and other specialty processing or testing systems.
• Develop and optimize processing approaches for composite and metallic materials, including finishing, strengthening, and thermomechanical treatments.
• Relate microstructure, mechanical properties, and material performance to processing conditions and external factors.
• Perform mechanical property assessments and characterization of processed materials.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers, including metallurgists and manufacturing engineers.
• Document and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

Skills

Machining experience

Mechanical equipment

Collaboration

Strong communication

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering

PhD in materials science

Tools

ShAPE™

Friction stir processing

Thermomechanical processing

Job description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, WA, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or materials science to advance solid-phase metals processing, including ShAPE and friction stir processing.

The position focuses on developing high-performance materials with tailored microstructures, performing mechanical property evaluations, and collaborating with metallurgists and manufacturing engineers to connect processing,