Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experiment Automation Job Details | Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to pioneering research in neutron diffraction data analysis. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge facilities and a diverse team, focusing on automating data acquisition and integrating AI into instrument control. As part of a multi-disciplinary environment, you will engage in innovative projects, publish findings, and present at scientific conferences. If you are passionate about advancing research in a collaborative setting, this position is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the field.

Benefits

Medical Plans

Retirement Plans

Flexible Work Hours

On-site Fitness Facilities

Cafeteria Facilities

Generous Vacation and Holidays

Parental Leave

Educational Assistance

Employee Discounts

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• PhD required in relevant fields such as engineering or science.
• Strong communication skills for publishing and presenting research.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA frameworks for real-time neutron data processing.
• Collaborate on instrument automation using Bluesky framework.

Skills

FPGA Development

Real-time Data Processing

AI Integration

Collaboration Skills

Scientific Communication

Education

PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering

PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Physics

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Bluesky Framework

Vivado Toolchain

Vitis Toolchain

Job description

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on groundbreaking research focused on techniques for on-the-fly analysis of neutron diffraction data.

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. The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) are world-leading facilities and the scientific center of a diverse, international and inclusive neutron scattering community. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate your work will directly benefit from these facilities.

In this position, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-institution team developing integrated systems to automate the acquisition and interpretation of neutron scattering data. You will contribute to the development of FPGA tools for real-time processing of live neutron diffraction data as it is streamed from SNS and HFIR instruments. You will also work in collaboration with other project members to integrate AI models into Bluesky-based instrument control. Your work will require close collaboration with members of the Neutron Technologies Division, the Neutron Scattering Division, and the Computer Science and Mathematics Division, as well as project members from other DOE national laboratories.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the development of a high-level framework which uses FPGAs for real-time processing of neutron data for experimental steering.
2. Work with the project team on the development of an instrument automation approach based on the Bluesky framework.
3. Work with the project team to complete neutron experiments to demonstrate innovative approaches.
4. Participate in an inclusive work environment for a diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students.
5. Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals.
6. Present results at international scientific conferences and meetings.
7. As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
8. 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:

1. A PhD in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
2. Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications and in presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience designing and implementing custom hardware acceleration solutions on FPGAs for the purpose of high-performance computing, real-time data analysis, or AI inference combined with traditional FPGA development workflows.
2. Familiarity with AMD Versal SoC architecture and the Vivado/Vitis tool chains.
3. Basic understanding of x-ray or neutron scattering is desirable but not essential.
4. Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
5. Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems.
6. Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [e-mail] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Please include a discussion of your research interests and how neutron scattering can support your plan for research during your time at ORNL in your cover letter with your application.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

1. Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
2. View Profile
3. Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their PhD 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.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail]

#LI-DC1

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.