Postdoctoral Research Associate - Momentum-Resolved Electron Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle's CNMS at ORNL seeks two Postdoctoral Research Associates to advance electron microscopy and spectroscopy for quantum materials. You will work on momentum-resolved EELS (qEELS), instrument development, and data-driven analysis within the eMMA Group, collaborating across CNMS and external partners.

The role emphasizes independent research, software development in Python, and dissemination of results through publications and conferences, with a focus on advancing fundamental materials

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction, or related techniques.
• Experience in instrument design, experimental physics, instrument control, or computational modeling of instruments.
• Understanding of electronic structure, scattering phenomena, collective excitations, or quantum materials.
• Experience with scientific programming, numerical simulation, machine learning, or data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development, commissioning, and application of advanced EM and spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Design and conduct experiments to study electronic properties and structure–property relationships in quantum materials.
• Develop computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches to support instrument development and interpretation of results.
• Integrate EM and spectroscopy with complementary techniques like neutron scattering.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning experimental science, theory, and computation.
• Develop scientific software and reproducible workflows for data acquisition, processing, and analysis.

Skills

TEM

qEELS

Instrumentation design

Computational modeling

Data analysis

Python

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Overview

The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates to advance the development and application of next-generation electron microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities for investigating quantum materials.

These positions offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of novel scientific instrumentation and explore fundamental relationships between material structure, electronic behavior, and collective excitations. The successful candidates will join a collaborative research team integrating advanced electron microscopy, materials characterization, computational methods, and complementary scattering techniques to address important challenges in condensed matter physics and materials science.

The research will involve developing and applying advanced approaches to momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (qEELS), with opportunities to contribute to instrument development, experimental measurements, computational modeling, and data-driven analysis. The two researchers will bring complementary expertise, with individual responsibilities tailored to their backgrounds and research interests.

The positions reside in the Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (eMMA) Group within the Nanomaterials Characterization Section of CNMS, part of ORNL's Physical Sciences Directorate. The successful candidates will collaborate with researchers across CNMS, ORNL's Neutron Scattering Division, and external research partners.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, commissioning, and application of advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate electronic properties, collective excitations, and structure-property relationships in quantum materials.
• Develop and apply computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches to support instrument development, experimental design, and interpretation of results.
• Explore opportunities to integrate electron microscopy and spectroscopy with complementary characterization techniques, including neutron scattering.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams spanning experimental science, instrumentation, theory, and computation.
• Develop scientific software and reproducible workflows for experimental data acquisition, processing, simulation, or analysis.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scientific conferences, and contribute to research proposals and reports.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• 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 physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications

We seek candidates with strong research backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:

• Electron microscopy and spectroscopy: Experience with transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction, or related advanced characterization techniques.
• Scientific instrumentation: Experience in electron optics, instrument development, experimental physics, instrument control, or computational modeling of scientific instruments.
• Quantum materials and condensed matter physics: Understanding of electronic structure, scattering phenomena, collective excitations, or the physical properties of quantum and correlated materials.
• Computational science and data analysis: Experience with scientific programming, numerical simulation, machine learning, or computational approaches to experimental data interpretation.
• Complementary scattering techniques: Experience with neutron scattering, x-ray scattering, or other methods for investigating material structure and dynamics.

Additional Qualifications Include

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Experience developing scientific software or automated experimental workflows, particularly using Python.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results.
• Motivation to develop new experimental or computational capabilities and explore emerging scientific opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
• 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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

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.