Postdoctoral Research Associate - Data Science for Materials Characterization

UT-Battelle; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness

Relocation assistance

Flexible work hours

Employee discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (UT-Battelle) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division. The role integrates materials science, materials characterization, and data science to develop new methodologies for characterizing and improving component quality produced by advanced manufacturing.

The candidate will develop algorithms and workflows, publish in journals, and collaborate with R&D staff.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science or closely related field completed within the last five years.
• Strong background in materials characterization techniques (microscopy, XRD, EBSD, X-ray CT).
• Programming skills using Python or modern C/C++/C#.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms and software tools for visualizing and analyzing materials characterization data.
• Develop novel, data-driven materials characterization workflows.
• Advance understanding of process-structure-property relationships via digital manufacturing practices.
• Publish research in peer reviewed journals and conferences.
• Support R&D staff members on their projects.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by upholding core values and promoting a respectful workplace.

Skills

Python

C/C++/C#

Materials characterization

Data analysis

Education

PhD in materials science

Job description

Overview

We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position who will focus on the intersection of material science, materials characterization, and data science to develop new methodologies for assessing and improving the quality of components fabricated using advanced manufacturing processes. This position resides in the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms and software tools for visualizing and analyzing materials characterization data
• Develop novel, data-driven materials characterization workflows
• Advance understanding of process-structure-property relationships via digital manufacturing practices
• Basic experience with AI/ML techniques
• Publish research in peer reviewed journals and conferences
• Support R&D staff members on their projects
• General support of research and development needs within the MDF
• 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 Ph.D. in material science, or closely related field with an emphasis on material science or characterization completed within the last five years
• Strong background in materials characterization techniques, such as microscopy, XRD, EBSD, and X-ray CT
• Interest in working at the intersection of material science, advanced manufacturing, and digital manufacturing
• Programming skills using Python or modern C/C++/C#
• Demonstrated experience conceiving and executing research and development projects
• The ability to work in a very dynamic team environment is required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

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.

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
• 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.