Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Processing Group

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on alloy design, processing, and microstructural characterization of high-temperature alloys. The role involves materials processing, SEM/EBSD analysis, and mechanical testing to inform nuclear and space applications.

Applicants should have a PhD in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering, hands-on SEM/EBSD experience, and a strong record of publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field (completed within last 5 years).
• Hands-on SEM/EBSD and microstructural characterization experience.
• Understanding of processing techniques and their impact on microstructure.

Responsibilities

• Develop fabrication processes for novel high-temperature materials.
• Characterize microstructure and correlate with processing and mechanical properties.
• Collaborate with ORNL scientists in alloy development, processing, and testing.
• Present, report, and publish results per sponsor requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, environment, and quality standards.

Skills

Microscopy techniques

Materials processing

Collaboration

Publications

Education

PhD in Materials Science or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Atom Probe Tomography (APT)

Job description

Requisition Id17223

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on developing a relationship between alloy design, processing, and microstructural characterization of refractory and other high temperature alloys. Key activities include materials processing, microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction, and mechanical testing. This knowledge will be used to assess the suitability of these materials for nuclear and space applications. This position resides in the Materials Processing Group within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) within the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop processes for fabrication of novel high temperature materials using conventional and novel manufacturing techniques.
• Perform microstructural characterization of alloys and assist in correlating microstructure with processing and mechanical properties.
• Work with teams of ORNL materials scientists with expertise in alloy development, processing, and mechanical property testing.
• Be responsible for presenting, reporting, and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and reports in accordance with sponsor requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment 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 in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Hands-on experience with microstructural characterization tools including scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction.
• An understanding of materials processing techniques and their effect on microstructural evolution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and patents.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a team environment, as needed.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Experience in studying precipitation behavior and structure-property relationships in various alloy systems.
• Hands-on skills in the use of transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography.
• Expertise in correlating microstructure with mechanical properties.
• Exposure to x-ray and neutron scattering techniques
• Experience in interacting with industrial collaborators
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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:

• 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.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.

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.