Postdoctoral Research Associate - Research & Development of Advanced Cement and Concrete Technology

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site amenities

Competitive benefits

Relocation support

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a postdoctoral research associate in the Building Envelope Materials Research Group to advance cementitious materials for durable, affordable building envelopes. You will design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and industry to translate findings into solutions.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field, a strong publication record, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Solid academic and research record in cementitious materials.
• Experience setting up and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop next generation of cement and concrete technologies.
• Develop experimental setups, conduct experiments, analyze results.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams across ORNL and external partners.
• Present results to ORNL, DOE, industry and academia.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Self-motivated

Education

PhD in chemical engineering / chemistry / mechanical engineering / civil engineering / materials science

Job description

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) 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. Within ORNL, the Building Envelope Materials Research (BEMR) Group develops and deploys affordable, advanced, and resilient solutions for building envelopes of new construction and retrofits to enable DOE’s energy efficiency goals. Our synergistic research areas include building science, material and system development, and advanced construction. With the support from the U.S. DOE Building Technologies and Industrial Technologies Offices we have the most extensive building envelope research portfolio and manufacturing demonstration facility in the nation. We are seeking to add to our team an energetic and creative postdoctoral research associate.

Requisition Id 17001

Major Duties / Responsibilities

• Research and develop the next generation of advanced, resilient, and durable cement and concrete technologies for use in construction.
• Develop experimental setups, conduct experiments, and analyze results.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams that are composed of ORNL researchers with various backgrounds (e.g., material science, neutron science, chemistry, manufacturing, computing, others).
• Interact and collaborate with researchers from universities, national laboratories, and private industry.
• Present research results to ORNL staff, DOE, industry, and academia in the form of invited talks, conference papers, and peer-reviewed journal papers with high impact factors.
• Assist in the development and preparation of proposals.
• Ensure compliance with ORNL’s environmental, safety, health, and program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and continuation of ORNL’s values and ethics.
• 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

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, materials science/engineering or related discipline completed within the last 5 years.
• Solid academic and research record relevant to science and technology of cementitious materials.
• Knowledge of analytical characterization techniques and performance testing of cementitious materials.
• Knowledge on durability evaluation of cementitious materials.
• Experience setting and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support team building.
• Ability to work and demonstrate critical thinking individually and as part of a diverse team.
• Ability to develop and/or maintain strong relationships with ADD through active participation in professional societies.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Strong, proven publication record.
• Self-motivated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of cement chemistry.
• Experience in materials characterization using advanced analytical tools, such as synchrotron, neutron, and laboratory equipment.
• Experience in data analytics and modeling tools.

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 and Eligibility Requirements

Security, Credentialing, and Eligbility 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.

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.