Postdoc: Polymer Chemistry for Advanced Fibers (Flexible)

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site fitness center

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

UT-Battelle, operator of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives.

The role spans scaling up precursor chemistries, developing fiber production processes, collaborating with ORNL staff and industry partners, and disseminating findings through publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years and have a strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Developing cutting-edge polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications—including Carbon Fiber, Rayon fibers, Silicon Carbide fiber, and Silicon Nitride fiber—forms the core of this role. Responsibilities encompass the synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of polymers to maximize material performance but also close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to scale up manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data to drive product innovation, as well as obtaining and calibrating simulation parameters based on laboratory results.
• Establishing and managing research collaborations and projects with industry partners, presenting and reporting results, publishing scientific work in peer‑reviewed journals, and sharing findings at scientific conferences.
• Maintaining compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements and upholding core values of integrity, teamwork, safety, and service.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Characterization

Data analysis

Project management

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemistry / MSE / Polymer Science

Tools

DSC

FTIR

TGA

DMA

XRD

SEM

Rheology

Optical microscopy

EDS

Job description

UT-Battelle, operator of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives.

The role spans scaling up precursor chemistries, developing fiber production processes, collaborating with ORNL staff and industry partners, and disseminating findings through publications and conferences.