Postdoctoral Plasma-Facing Component Scientist

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Wellness programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

UT-Battelle’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a post-doctoral candidate with expertise in assessing advanced, high-power plasma-facing components for the MPEX target and its assembly system. You will analyze sample-holders/targets, predict performance under load, and contribute to design, manufacturing, and failure analyses.

The role sits in the Diagnostics and Control Group within the PFCE Division, collaborating across fusion energy research to deliver high-impact research, publish

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years or expect to complete a PhD by June 30th, 2027.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve the MPEX sample-holder/target assembly station.
• Develop methods to understand and predict performance under loading conditions.
• Provide science and engineering direction to MPEX target design and manufacturing.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in Engineering Physics / Electrical/Nuclear Engineering (or closely related)

Tools

FEA software

PFC characterization techniques

Job description

Overview

The Plasma Facing Components & Engineering (PFCE) Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applications for a post-doctoral candidate experienced in assessing advanced, high-power plasma-facing components to support operations, upgrades, and development of the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) target and its target assembly system.

MPEX is a linear plasma device under construction at ORNL that enables expanded fusion reactor–relevant material science capabilities, particularly those related to plasma material interaction (PMI) research. MPEX will deliver steady state plasmas to PMI targets with heat fluxes of 10 MW m-2 and particle fluences of 10^31 m-2 for up to 2-weeks.

As part of our team, you apply analysis methods and design principles associated with deploying plasma-facing components (PFCs) in the divertor region in tokamak-style fusion reactor. This work will lead to predictive characterization and lifetime assessments of similar PFCs.

This position resides in the Diagnostics and Control Group of the PFCE Division. This Group/Division carries out experiment-based research and development work in support of ongoing science and technology research within ORNL’s Fusion and Fission Energy Science Directorate for the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve the MPEX sample-holder/target assembly station in support of its scientific mission goals.
• Develop methods for understanding and eventually predicting the performance of MPEX sample-holders/targets under loading conditions.
• Provide science and engineering direction to MPEX target design and manufacturing.
• Develop and perform failure analysis of the MPEX target assembly.
• Participate and/or lead target exposures during MPEX operations.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and engineers in the areas of fusion energy research to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Create high impact research results to report in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Maintain commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL values and ethics.
• 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

• PhD in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years or expect to complete a PhD by June 30th, 2027.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in using finite element analysis (FEA) software or the equivalent, particularly as applied to advanced systems like fusion PFCs.
• Experience with experimental devices in support of fusion energy development, particularly measurement techniques for PFC characterization.
• 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

• This is a temporary 24-month position. 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

• 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

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.