Postdoc: Biopolymer Ionic Materials & Neutron Scattering

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Health Savings Accounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance synthesis and understanding of biopolymer-derived ionic materials and interfaces at ORNL. The role sits in the CNMS within the HCMC theme, collaborating with researchers across ORNL and external partners.

The successful candidate will work with neutron scattering and imaging to connect molecular structure with transport and macroscopic performance, across multiple length scales, in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 5 years in a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in synthesis, modification, processing, or characterization of polymers, biopolymers, soft materials, or related functional materials.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, modify, and process biopolymer-derived ionic materials (hydrogels, membranes, films, coatings, composites).
• Investigate how molecular interactions and hierarchical structure affect material formation and performance.
• Develop experimental approaches linking bulk and interfacial structure to transport phenomena.
• Apply neutron techniques (SANS, reflectometry, QENS, neutron spectroscopy, imaging) as appropriate.
• Collaborate with CNMS, Spallation Neutron Source, HFIR, other ORNL programs, universities, and industry.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Maintain detailed records and comply with safety, health, and quality requirements.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Biopolymer materials

Laboratory experimentation

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Written and oral communication

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering

Tools

Mantid

SasView

Python

MATLAB

Igor Pro

Job description

UT-Battelle seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance synthesis and understanding of biopolymer-derived ionic materials and interfaces at ORNL. The role sits in the CNMS within the HCMC theme, collaborating with researchers across ORNL and external partners.

The successful candidate will work with neutron scattering and imaging to connect molecular structure with transport and macroscopic performance, across multiple length scales, in a multidisciplinary environment.