Postdoctoral Research Associate, Optical Fiber Sensing

U.S. Fusion Energy; Oak Ridge (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

On-site Fitness

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance optical fiber sensing in harsh nuclear environments. You will design and test Fabry-Perot cavity-based sensors, develop data acquisition and control systems, and model sensor behavior with Multiphysics software.

The role emphasizes publishing results and contributing to proposals. You will collaborate with the NEEM Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, working on high-temperature materials,

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, optical or electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Expertise in optical fiber communications or sensing.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, fabricate and test Fabry-Perot cavity-based fiber-optic sensors.
• Develop data acquisition and control systems with hydraulic or pneumatic actuation.
• Assemble and install optical fiber sensors.
• Relate measurements to changes in material properties such as creep and corrosion.

Skills

Excellent communication

Self-starter

Independent work

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in physics

PhD in optical or electrical engineering

PhD in nuclear engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

MOose

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Optical Fiber Sensing

Date: Sep 24, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id: 17149

Nearest Major Market: Knoxville

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on using optical fibers for measuring property evolution, dimensional changes, and corrosion in harsh, high temperature, nuclear environments. This position resides in the Nuclear and Extreme Environment Measurement (NEEM) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NEEM Group focuses on pushing the limitations of materials, sensors, and experiments through technology development, advanced instrumentation, irradiation experiments, and rapid design/fabrication. As part of the research team, you will investigate optical fiber instrumentation. More specifically, this position would develop Fabry-Perot interferometer-based sensors to measure thermal and irradiation creep in advanced nuclear materials, as well as measuring the corrosion and oxidation of zirconium in light water reactor environments. The candidate will be expected to model prototypes of the fiber optic based sensors using standard Multiphysics software, perform out-of pile laboratory testing of the instruments in representative environments, and analyze the results of testing and simulations. Metrics for success will include scientific output, disseminating results at national and international conferences and other technical meetings, and delivering programmatic milestones.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, fabricate and test Fabry-Perot cavity-based fiber-optic sensors to measure the deformation of metal diaphragms for various harsh environment applications.
• Develop data acquisition and control systems that include hydraulic or pneumatic actuation and pressure monitoring combined with interrogation of optical fiber-based measurement systems.
• Assemble (splicing, polishing, testing, etc.) and install optical fiber sensors.
• Relate measurements to changes in material properties such as creep, plasticity, and corrosion/oxidation.
• Interface with other staff working in related areas including vibroacoustic signal analysis, signal processing, optical fiber sensing, and general instrumentation.
• Document results in technical reports, patents, journal papers, and conference publications, participate in proposals, and estimate costs.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD degree in physics, optical or electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Expertise in optical fiber communications or sensing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analyzing interferometric sensor data such as extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry, optical frequency-domain reflectometry, optical time-domain reflectometry, or distributed acoustic sensing.
• Proficiency in Multiphysics modeling software (ANSYS, COMSOL, MOOSE, etc.) to model materials in high temperature or high stress conditions.
• Experience working with high pressure systems and pressure control systems.
• Experience setting up data acquisition systems and implementing signal processing techniques.Experience working with benchtop instrumentation, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, etc.
• Experience working at or collaboration with DOE national laboratories.
• 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

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

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.

• 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
• medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours
• Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

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.