Postdoc, Physical Metallurgy: Microstructure & Properties

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 89,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or related field to advance processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials. The role emphasizes independent experimentation and collaborative, interdisciplinary work at the Idaho Falls campus.

The successful candidate will apply advanced characterization, mechanical testing, and CALPHAD-based thermodynamics (Thermo-Calc) to

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Material Science and Engineering, Physical Metallurgy, or closely related discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment within the previous 5 years.
• Strong background in physical metallurgy and metallic materials.
• Experience with microstructural characterization using SEM or equivalent.
• Experience with mechanical property testing and interpretation of results.
• Understanding of processing–microstructure–property relationships.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in physical metallurgy focusing on processing–microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials.
• Plan and execute experiments involving advanced materials processing and manufacturing techniques.
• Perform comprehensive microstructural characterization using SEM, TEM, EBSD, EDS, and optical microscopy.
• Carry out mechanical property testing (hardness, tensile, creep, fatigue, fracture toughness).
• Analyze microstructural features and deformation mechanisms and their relation to processing and performance.
• Use Thermo-Calc for phase stability and transformations analyses.
• Document results via reports, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to new research concepts and proposals.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and scientific integrity.

Skills

Physical metallurgy

Microstructure characterization

Mechanical property testing

Independent experimental design

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

Thermo-Calc

Calphad

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or related field to advance processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials. The role emphasizes independent experimentation and collaborative, interdisciplinary work at the Idaho Falls campus.

The successful candidate will apply advanced characterization, mechanical testing, and CALPHAD-based thermodynamics (Thermo-Calc) to