Postdoctoral Research Associate - Scanning Probe Microscopy for Ultrafast Charge Dynamics

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness facilities

Banking services on site

Cafeteria facilities on site

Relocation assistance

Job summary

UT-Battelle's ORNL seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study fast charge dynamics in 2D materials/ferroelectric heterostructures using high-frequency AFM-based techniques and Python-driven automated workflows.

You will probe micro- and nanoscale charge dynamics at interfaces, contribute to 2D material/ferroelectric heterostructures fabrication, and collaborate with scientists across ORNL in synthesis, theory, and characterization.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or related field.
• Experience with high-frequency electrical/optical microscopy techniques is preferred.
• Experience with 2D materials and AFM-based methods.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials research using electrical and optical atomic force microscopy techniques.
• Contribute to the development of advanced functional atomic force microscopy techniques.
• Present and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Collaborate across ORNL in synthesis, heterostructure preparation, theory, and characterization.

Skills

Instrument development

Optical techniques

Microwave circuits

AFM techniques

2D materials

Python

MATLAB

Communication

Independence

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

Tools

KPFM

PFM

sMIM

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on fast charge dynamics in 2D material – ferroelectric heterostructures under slow and fast excitation by developing and using high-frequency electrical and optical scanning probe microscopy. This position resides in the Functional Atomic Force Microscopy Group (F-AFM) in the Nanomaterials Characterization Section of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will participate in developing advanced AFM-based GHz and THz near-field electrical and optical microscopy modes and use Python scripting to establish automated and autonomous experimental workflows. Using these capabilities, you will probe micro- and nanoscale charge dynamics across 2-D material/ferroelectric interfaces, with a particular focus on how polar and ionic dynamics in the ferroelectric impacts the electronic response of the 2-D material. Additional responsibilities will include contributing to the fabrication of 2-D material/ferroelectric heterostructures. You will play an integral role in our atomic force microscopy research and collaborate with scientists across ORNL in materials synthesis, heterostructure preparation, theory, and complementary characterization.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct materials research using electrical and optical atomic force microscopy techniques
• Contribute to the development of advanced functional atomic force microscopy techniques
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of 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

• A PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with instrument development and electronic instrumentation
• Experience with optical characterization techniques, including high-frequency pump-probe spectroscopy and/or near-field techniques such as sNOM
• Experience with microwave circuits and high-frequency measurements
• Experience with advanced atomic force microscopy (e.g., KPFM, PFM, sMIM)
• Experience with 2-dimensional materials
• Experience with Python or 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.

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.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.