Postdoctoral Research Associate - Composite Pipe Development

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance composite pipe technologies for geothermal and harsh-environment applications. The role involves designing, fabricating, and testing composites from lab scale toward commercial scale, with travel to vendor sites as needed.

You will collaborate with researchers in materials science, chemistry, data science, and robotics, and contribute to proposal writing and high-impact publications while upholding ORNL’s

Qualifications

• A PhD in material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, electrical engineering, robotics, or related field completed within the last five years.
• Background in composite material preparation, particularly in fiber reinforced (Glass fiber, silicon carbide fiber, etc.) composites.
• Hands-on experience with lab scale polymer synthesis and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop composite pipe technologies for geothermal energy or similar harsh environment applications.
• Design, fabricate, and test composite material in lab scale and help scale up to commercial scale.
• Perform development work at vendor sites that requires travel.
• Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies and materials development.
• Present and report research results and publish in peer‑reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors with core values and promoting equal opportunity in the workplace.

Skills

Fiber reinforced composites

Polymer synthesis

Data analysis

Education

PhD in materials science or related field

Tools

FEA

Python

Digital twin concepts

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Composite Pipe Development

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in composite material development, technology development from lab to large scale, and processing of materials under high temperature pyrolysis. The candidate will aid staff in conducting high quality research by developing, integrating, and deploying materials to be used for geothermal casing related harsh environments applications. A background in polymer chemistry research or related fields, composite material development, material science, and data analysis is preferred. Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF) and the work is performed at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) atOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will engage with researchers with various backgrounds such as materials science, chemistry, data science, and robotics along with close interactions with industry partners. These engagements will play a vital role in ensuring success of programs and the adoption by project sponsors. You will also be involved in proposal writing with our scientists while taking the lead in publishing high impact papers.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work within a committed team of scientists to develop composite pipe technologies for geothermal energy or similar harsh environment applications.
• Design, develop, fabricate, and test composite material in lab scale and help scale up the technology for commercial scale applications.
• Perform development work at vendor’s site that requires travel.
• Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies, and product, systems, and materials development.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing 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.
• 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 material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field completed within the last five years.
• Background in composite material preparation, particularly in fiber reinforced (Glass fiber, silicon carbide fiber, etc.) composites.
• Hands-on experience with lab scale polymer synthesis and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with computer modelling systems such as finite element analysis (FEA),.
• Familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, digital twin knowledge, or Python programming language.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing, process physics, thermodynamics, and/or metallurgy to interpret sensor data in a materials science context.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international, scientific audience.
• Motivated and safety conscious.
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and adapt to ever-changing needs with the proven ability to function well and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative, team environment.

Special Requirements:

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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: 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.

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.