Postdoctoral Research Associate-Optical Spectroscopy

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Retirement Plan

Flexible Working Hours

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Job summary

UT-Battelle at ORNL is seeking a highly qualified researcher to develop and operate advanced optical spectroscopy systems, including LIBS, OES, and plasma diagnostics.

The role involves designing experiments with molten salts and radioactive materials, publishing findings, and presenting results within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 5 years or expected by January 2027.
• Visa sponsorship not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate advanced optical spectroscopy systems including LIBS, OES, and plasma diagnostics.
• Design and execute experiments involving molten salts, radioactive materials, and gas handling systems.
• Publish scientific papers and internal reports and present results at appropriate venues.
• Align work with ORNL values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science.
• Adhere to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct.

Skills

Laser spectroscopy

Python

Machine learning

Team collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Engineering

Tools

Laser systems

Vacuum systems

Optical emission spectroscopy

Job description

Overview

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.

Major Duties/Rsponsibilities

• Develop and operate advanced optical spectroscopy systems including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, and plasma diagnostics.
• Design and execute experiments involving molten salts, radioactive materials, and/or gas handling systems.
• Publish scientific papers and internal reports resulting from this research and present results at the appropriate settings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our cove values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science.
• 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

Basic Qualifications

• To be eligible you must have completed a PhD in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field with in the last 5 years or expect to complete it by January 2027.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, molten salt systems, and radioactive material handling.
• Hands-on expertise in lasers, optics, and optical emission spectroscopy.
• Experience designing custom experimental hardware, vacuum systems, and plasma diagnostics.
• Experience applying machine learning methods for predictive analysis.
• Expereince with the Python programming language.
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot receive 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.

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 extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for 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.