Postdoc: Fusion Materials & Technology (MS & MEMS)

U.S. Fusion Energy; Oak Ridge (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on fusion materials and technology. The role emphasizes development of separation methods using mass spectrometry, nano- and micro-fabrication, and in-depth materials characterization of irradiated ceramics and alloys for tritium technology.

You will work in the Advanced Nuclear Materials (ANM) Group within the Materials in Extremes Section, contributing to experiments, data analysis, and publication of results to

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated skills and hands-on experiences with advanced materials characterization equipment and/or data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform experimental research to evaluate the effects of neutron irradiation on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of nuclear ceramics, composites, and related fusion materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural and defect characterization of irradiated materials using advanced techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, SIMS, APT, and related methods.
• Set up and perform experiments involving vacuum pumps, flow meters, and microfluidic reactors to study model gas mixtures containing hydrogen isotopes using mass spectrometry.
• Understand fundamental separation principles and have hands-on experience in operating advanced analytical instruments such as ToF-SIMS, SEM, or Raman.
• Perform data analysis of mass spectrometry (i.e., GC-MS, LC-MS, SIMS) and microscopy data sets and coordinate between experimental studies and theoretical simulations.
• Communicate research results through timely peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with internal ORNL teams and external partners, including contributions to proposals and project development.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

ToF-SIMS

SEM

XRD

Nanofabrication

MEMS

Microfluidics

Vacuum techniques

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

ToF-SIMS

SEM

XRD

APT

Raman

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on fusion materials and technology. The role emphasizes development of separation methods using mass spectrometry, nano- and micro-fabrication, and in-depth materials characterization of irradiated ceramics and alloys for tritium technology.

You will work in the Advanced Nuclear Materials (ANM) Group within the Materials in Extremes Section, contributing to experiments, data analysis, and publication of results to