Postdoc - Mechanical Behavior of Advanced Structural Alloys by Engineering Diffraction

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN to investigate the mechanical behavior of advanced structural alloys using engineering diffraction. The role integrates microstructure characterization and in situ diffraction with mechanical testing to uncover processing–structure–property relationships.

You will collaborate across divisions, publish high‑impact work, and contribute to ORNL's mission.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science & engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with CALPHAD software (Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, PANDAT, FactSage).
• Proficiency in materials data analytics, including correlation analysis and machine learning techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on deformation mechanisms and mechanical behavior of advanced structural alloys.
• Perform in situ neutron diffraction experiments to study micromechanical behavior under loading.
• Characterize microstructure using SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD and related techniques.
• Analyze lattice strain evolution, phase stress and defect evolution with advanced data analysis tools.
• Carry out alloy fabrication/processing (arc melting, heat treatment) and relate processing to performance.
• Apply analytical and modeling approaches to interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to define and advance research directions.
• Present findings and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Skills

Deformation mechanisms

In situ neutron diffraction

Microstructure characterization (SEM/E

Data analytics & ML

Modeling/analytical methods

Arc melting & heat treatment

Education

PhD in materials science & engineering, physics, chemistry, or related field

Tools

Thermo-Calc

DICTRA

PANDAT

FactSage

GSAS

GSAS-II

VDRIVE

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct Mechanical Behavior of Advanced Structural Alloys by Engineering Diffraction.

This position resides in the Materials Engineering Group within the Large Scale Structure Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) . The selected candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment including teams in Neutron Sciences Directorate and Physical Sciences Director a te , leveraging state-of-the‑art neutron characterization and other characterization tools to develop a mechanistic understanding of deformation, strengthening, and failure in advanced alloys. The research will focus on integrating microstructure characterization, in situ diffraction techniques, and mechanical testing to uncover processing–microstructure–property relationships. The candidate will have opportunities to interact with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to high‑impact publications and collaborative projects.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct research on deformation mechanisms and mechanical behavior of advanced structural alloys.
• Conduct in situ neutron diffraction experiments to study micromechanical behavior under loading conditions (e.g., tension, compression, creep).
• Perform detailed microstructural characterization using SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, and related techniques.
• Analyze lattice strain evolution, phase stress, and defect evolution using advanced data analysis tools.
• Perform alloy fabrication and processing (e.g., arc melting, heat treatment) and relate processing to performance.
• Apply analytical and modeling approaches to interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams to define and advance research directions.
• Present research findings and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in materials science & engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experienceutilizing computational thermodynamic (CALPHAD) software, such as Thermo-Calc, DICTRA, PANDAT, or FactSage.
• Proficiency in materials data analytics,including correlation analysis and machine learning techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microstructure characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD).
• Experience in mechanical testing (tension, compression, fatigue, creep, nanoindentation) and in situ neutron or synchrotron diffraction techniques.
• Background in advanced structural alloys, including high‑entropy alloys or precipitation‑strengthened systems.
• Familiarity with diffraction and data analysis tools (e.g., GSAS, GSAS-II, VDRIVE).
• Experience in alloy fabrication and processing (e.g., arc melting, thermomechanical processing, additive manufacturing).
• Knowledge of deformation mechanisms such as dislocation slip, twinning, and precipitation strengthening.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail]

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.