Postdoctoral Research Associate- Neutron Scattering

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible work hours

On-site amenities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral research associate focusing on using neutrons to study nonequilibrium dynamics in many-body systems and developing time-resolved neutron scattering capabilities. This position resides in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL.

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with theorists and experts in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in condensed matter physics or closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Extensive experience in neutron and/or X-ray scattering.
• Experience in scattering theory, quantum many-body theory, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, or non-equilibrium physics.

Responsibilities

• Develop new sample environment at various neutron beamlines.
• Perform pump-probe-enabled time-resolved neutron scattering experiments.
• Analyze data from scattering experiments.
• Collaborate with others to maintain high scientific productivity.
• Publish papers in key journals and present at meetings.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality programs.
• Promote ORNL values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Python

C

MATLAB

Neutron scattering

X-ray scattering

Scripting

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in condensed matter physics

Job description

Requisition Id 16846

Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate who will focus on using neutrons to study the physics of nonequilibrium dynamics in many-body systems and development of new neutron sample environment that allows time-resolved neutron scattering capabilities. This position resides in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will closely collaborate with a team that includes condensed matter theorists, experts in neutron/X-ray scattering, and experts in thin film and single crystal materials growth and characterization. You will perform cutting-edge research on understanding condensed matters using neutron scattering.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop new sample environment at various neutron beamlines
• Perform pump-probe-enabled time-resolved neutron scattering experiments
• Analyze data from scattering experiments
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
• Publish scientific papers in key journals and present at key meetings
• 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 Ph.D. degree in condensed matter physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Extensive experience in neutron and/or X-ray scattering
• Experience in scattering theory, quantum many-body theory, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, or non-equilibrium physics

Preferred Qualifications

• Rich experience with transport measurements and characterization
• Basic knowledge of models of strongly correlated electron systems
• Proficiency with scripting or programmatic languages, such as Python, c, and matlab
• 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.

Postdocs

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.

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

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

• 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.