Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic/Polymer Chemist for Advanced Fibers

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic/Polymer Chemistry for Advanced Fibers to advance polymer chemistries for high‑performance fibers and to scale up manufacturing processes. The role emphasizes collaboration across experimental and simulation teams and publishing findings.

The candidate will drive research on precursor chemistries for carbon and other advanced fibers, work with industrial partners, and contribute to ORNL's mission in materials

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last five years with a strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and advanced characterization techniques (Preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English for international audiences (Preferred).
• Ability to work independently and in collaborative teams in a fast-paced research environment (Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications and scale‑up manufacturing.
• Analyze experimental data and calibrate simulation parameters based on lab results.
• Establish and manage collaborations with industry partners; present and publish results.
• Contribute to safety, ethics, and quality programs while advancing research goals.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polymer synthesis

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic/Polymer Chemist for Advanced Fibers

Our team is looking for a driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support our advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives. This role involves conducting research on both scaling up and developing precursor chemistries for advanced fiber production, as well as advancing fiber technologies for composite systems. The successful candidate will manage several projects concurrently, help shape new research directions within their field, and collaborate closely with ORNL staff, industry professionals, and academic partners. Based within the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this position provides an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of materials innovation and play a key role in driving forward significant advances in fiber technologies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Developing cutting-edge polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications—including Carbon Fiber, Rayon fibers, Silicon Carbide fiber, and Silicon Nitride fiber—forms the core of this role. Responsibilities encompass not only the synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of polymers to maximize material performance but also close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to scale up manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers.
• A key aspect involves analyzing and interpreting experimental data to drive product innovation, as well as obtaining and calibrating simulation parameters based on laboratory results. Regular interfacing between experimental and simulation teams ensures a seamless integration of findings and methodologies.
• Establishing and managing research collaborations and projects with industry partners is essential, fostering productive partnerships that advance fiber technology. The role also includes presenting and reporting research results promptly, publishing scientific work in peer-reviewed journals, and sharing findings at scientific conferences.
• Supporting collective team goals, working harmoniously with colleagues, and maintaining rigorous compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements are fundamental. Throughout all tasks, there is a strong dedication to upholding values and ethics, ensuring the integrity and excellence of ongoing research and development efforts.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Delivering 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:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years and have a strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a technical STEM field with a focus on polymers or materials science.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and structure-property relationships is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, EDS, XRD, Rheology, SEM, and optical microscopy.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers.
• 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.

• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: 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, and 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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

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.