Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Reactor Core Materials Characterization

Knoxville Technology Council; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study degradation phenomena in nuclear reactor fuel cladding and core internals. The role emphasizes materials characterization using SEM, EBSD, TEM, and related techniques, with collaboration across the FCCI Group and the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division.

Responsibilities include correlating irradiation conditions with material performance, developing new ideas, and publishing results in peer‑reviewed journals

Qualifications

• PhD within the past 5 years in a relevant field.
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with technical peers and program managers.

Responsibilities

• Utilize microscopy and diffraction techniques for microstructural characterization.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to post-irradiation performance of materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation data.
• Perform characterization within a radiological laboratory and contribute to new ideas.
• Present and publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and at conferences.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent researcher

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering

Tools

SEM

EBSD

TEM

FIB

Job description

Overview

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).

The FCCI Group applies modern materials science to design, develop, optimize, and test advanced materials that will accelerate the deployment of higher performance nuclear energy systems. As part of our research team, you will assess the viability of accelerated irradiation methodologies as well as subsized mechanical testing methodologies on highly irradiated materials (either using ions or research reactor irradiation data) for establishing performance envelopes for materials to be deployed in advanced reactors. Efforts would in-part utilize the instrumentation and expertise available through the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis Laboratory (LAMDA). The selected individual will be encouraged to engage with staff within the FCCI group, the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division and across the laboratory to foster a vibrant research atmosphere to grow capabilities and drive innovation.

Metrics for success will include scientific output, disseminating results at national and international conferences and other technical meetings, and delivering on programmatic milestones.

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.

Special Requirements

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


• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export.


• 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.

• 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

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.

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.