Postdoc: Optical-Fiber Sensors for Extreme Environments

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

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop Fabry-Perot interferometer-based fiber-optic sensors for measuring thermal and irradiation effects in harsh nuclear environments at ORNL.

You will model sensor concepts with Multiphysics software (ANSYS, COMSOL, MOOSE), assemble and test fibers, and analyze data to quantify creep, corrosion, and material changes, contributing to publication and proposal activities.

Qualifications

• PhD in a physical science or engineering field relevant to optics or nuclear materials.
• Expertise in optical fiber sensing or communications.
• Background in instrumentation and data analysis for high-temperature, harsh environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, fabricate and test Fabry-Perot cavity-based fiber-optic sensors to measure deformation of metal diaphragms for harsh environments.
• Develop data acquisition and control systems with hydraulic/pneumatic actuation and optical interrogation of fiber sensors.
• Assemble (splicing, polishing, testing) and install optical fiber sensors.
• Relate measurements to changes in material properties such as creep, plasticity, and corrosion/oxidation.
• Interface with vibroacoustic signal analysis, signal processing, and general instrumentation staff.
• Document results in technical reports, patents, journal papers, and conference publications; participate in proposals and cost estimates.

Skills

Optical fiber sensing

Fabry-Perot sensors

Data acquisition

Instrumentation

Education

PhD degree in physics, optical or electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

MOOSE

Job description

UT-Battelle seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop Fabry-Perot interferometer-based fiber-optic sensors for measuring thermal and irradiation effects in harsh nuclear environments at ORNL.

You will model sensor concepts with Multiphysics software (ANSYS, COMSOL, MOOSE), assemble and test fibers, and analyze data to quantify creep, corrosion, and material changes, contributing to publication and proposal activities.