Postdoctoral Research Associate – Ceramic Processing Science with Security Clearance

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

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ceramic Processing Science with Security Clearance. The role focuses on processing science and fabrication for additive manufacturing, dynamic wireless charging, and high-temperature ceramic applications.

Collaboration across ORNL teams and sponsors is expected, with opportunities for publications and professional growth. The appointment is up to 24 months with potential extensions, and includes relocation support.

Qualifications

• PhD in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with ceramic and colloidal processing and characterization.
• Experience with slurry additive manufacturing.
• Magnetic characterization experience.
• Battery chemistry knowledge is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license to operate DOE vehicles on-site.
• Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for an international scientific audience.
• Independent and collaborative working style in a fast-paced lab.

Responsibilities

• Develop slurries for advanced manufacturing processes.
• Perform colloidal and rheological characterization.
• Fabricate ceramic components using traditional and advanced techniques.
• Characterize magnetic properties of materials.
• Characterize battery materials.
• Coordinate research with internal and external team members.
• Present and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality programs.
• Engage with sponsors to achieve project goals.

Skills

Ceramic processing

Colloidal processing

Magnetic characterization

Battery chemistry knowledge

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

PhD in Ceramic Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Microscopy

Job description

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Ceramic Processing Science with Security Clearance

Requisition Id 10011 Overview: We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher focused on the processing science and fabrication of additive manufacturing systems for dynamic wireless charging, solid state battery and high temperature ceramic applications. This position resides in the Surface Engineering and Tribology Group (SETG) in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) but will involve close (daily) collaborations with scientists/team members across the laboratory. Potential candidate is expected to contribute to the development unique science directions, in collaboration with the Team and sponsoring organizations. Furthermore, the position requires collaborating and interacting with staff at ORNL’s Electric Drive Team located at the National Transportation Research Center, the Additive Manufacturing Team at the Manufacturing Development Facility, and within the Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL. This position will support the laboratories mission of world leading materials science and delivering solutions to pressing energy problems essential to economic develop and security of the United States As part of our research team, you will work with ORNL’s world-class experts and have access to the state-of-the-art facilities to make contributions to a couple of DOE projects on development of ceramic slurries/systems for additive manufacturing. The candidate will make extensive use of colloidal and ceramic science methods and additive processing long with detailed magnetic characterization measurements related to curie temperature, relative permeability, and power loss to understand the impact of slurry formulation and component magnetism as well as electrochemical characterization measurements to further elucidate the role of architecture on iconic transport in composite and/or novel electrode designs. Other characterization studies will be implemented as appropriate for the materials including microscopy, x-ray diffraction, competitive adsorption, gravimetric analysis, etc…. Applicant will be expected to compose or participate in the composition of reports and peer reviewed publications. As part of our research team, the candidate will be expected to collaborate across a variety of projects related to vehicles, batteries, and space. In addition, the applicant will be expected to engage with the team and develop/improve suitable laboratory procedures and aspects related to safety and best practices. In addition to producing high impact publications, you will have opportunities to build a professional network by interacting with our academic and industrial collaborators and presenting at technical conferences, which will get you ready for the future career. In addition to meeting project milestones and producing high impact publications, getting involved in professional societies and contributing to local communities are also highly encouraged.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop slurries for advance manufacturing processes
• Perform colloidal and rheological characterization
• Fabricate ceramic components using traditional and advanced ceramic fabrication techniques
• Magnetic characterization using a variety of powder and bulk structural techniques
• Perform characterization of battery materials
• Coordinate research with other team members inside and outside ORNL
• Work with sponsors to achieve project goals and deliverables
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results 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

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ceramic and colloidal processing and characterization
• Experience with slurry additive manufacturing
• Magnetic characterization
• Basic knowledge of battery chemistry is a plus
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver license within 10 days of arriving to operate DOE vehicles on-site
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international, scientific audience
• 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

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension.

Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive.

• UT‑Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process.
• Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

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.