Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Reactor Core Materials Characterization

U.S. Fusion Energy; Oak Ridge (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Oak Ridge, TN, to advance understanding of degradation phenomena in nuclear reactor materials. The role emphasizes strong materials characterization using SEM, EBSD, TEM, and optical microscopy, with collaboration across experimentalists and computational scientists.

The successful candidate will correlate irradiation conditions to material performance, work within the FCCI group, and contribute to publications and

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering completed within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, presentation, and writing).
• All degree requirements must be completed prior to start date.

Responsibilities

• Characterize materials using optical microscopy, SEM, EBSD, and TEM for microstructure analysis.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to post-irradiation performance of materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation mechanical property data.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals in a timely manner.

Skills

Materials characterization

Python (numpy, scipy, pandas)

Communication skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering

Tools

SEM

EBSD

TEM

Optical microscopy

FIB

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Reactor Core Materials Characterization

Date: Sep 24, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 17144

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will aid the research staff in understanding the synergistic effects of various degradation phenomena of nuclear reactor fuel cladding and core internal materials. Strong materials characterization skills are required. This position resides in the Fuel Cladding and Core Internals (FCCI) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Utilize techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructural characterization of materials.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to the post-irradiation performance of novel materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation mechanical property data
• Perform characterization activities within a radiological laboratory.
• Participate in the development of new ideas and projects.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific outcomes in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of experimentalists, computational scientists, and engineers conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory’s missions.
• 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 degree in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills, are required to enable effective interaction with technical peers and program managers.
• Applicants must have completed all degree requirements prior to position start.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with specimen preparation using standard metallography and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, and TEM is strongly preferred.
• Experience with radiation effects in metals and alloys, with a particular focus on deformation mechanisms, damage-rate, helium effects, and/or stress effects in materials.
• Familiarity with subsized specimen mechanical testing/property analysis.
• Experience with the design of experiments for the collection of in-situ mechanical testing data.
• Knowledge of scientific software in python (numpy, scipy, pandas) or related data analysis suite.
• Record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• 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.

Letters Of Recommendation

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position.

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

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, and 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Knoxville