Postdoc -Microstructure Characterization and Mechanical Behavior of Advanced Structural Alloy

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

Benefits offered by this job

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</n

Employee Assistance Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate deformation mechanisms and microstructure evolution in advanced structural alloys. The role leverages neutron and X-ray facilities to quantify processing–structure–property relationships.

You will perform in situ diffraction, SEM/TEM/EBSD/XRD analysis, and mechanical testing (tension, creep, fatigue) while collaborating across the M2MD group to publish high-impact findings and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with CALPHAD software or computational thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in materials data analytics, including correlation analysis and machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on deformation mechanisms and mechanical behavior of advanced structural alloys.
• Perform detailed microstructural characterization using SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, and related techniques.
• Conduct in situ neutron or X-ray diffraction experiments to study micromechanical behavior under loading conditions.

Skills

Materials data analytics

Machine learning

In situ diffraction

Education

PhD in Materials Science & Engineering / Physics / Chemistry

Tools

GSAS/GSAS-II

VDRIVE

In situ diffraction equipment

Job description

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Postdoc -Microstructure Characterization and Mechanical Behavior of Advanced Structural Alloy

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct advanced research on the mechanical behavior and microstructure evolution of advanced structural alloys.

This position resides in the Multiscale Modeling and Materials by Design (M2MD) Group within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment, leveraging state-of-the-art neutron and X-ray characterization facilities 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.
• Perform detailed microstructural characterization using SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD, and related techniques.
• Conduct in situ neutron or X-ray diffraction experiments to study micromechanical behavior under loading conditions (e.g., tension, compression, creep).
• Design and execute mechanical testing experiments including tensile, fatigue, creep, impact, and nanoindentation testing.
• 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
• A minimum of 2 years of post-Ph.D. 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.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

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.

Postdocs:

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

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.

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.