Postdoctoral Research Associate -Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization of Quantum Materials

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to synthesize quantum materials via molecular beam epitaxy and to characterize their electronic, magnetic, and structural properties using state-of-the-art techniques. The role is highly collaborative within the Quantum Heterostructures Group, contributing to impactful DOE research programs.

The successful candidate will publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, present at major conferences, and help drive

Qualifications

• PhD in condensed matter physics, materials science, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with epitaxial thin film synthesis and ultrahigh vacuum techniques such as STM/XPS or cryogenic transport and magnetometry.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize thin film materials by molecular beam epitaxy.
• Characterize electronic, magnetic, and structural properties using advanced techniques (PPMS, XRD, XPS, AFM/STM, ARPES).
• Lead user proposals to access DOE facilities and collaborate across groups.
• Disseminate results in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and quality programs; uphold ORNL values.

Skills

Numerical data analysis

Python

LabVIEW

AI/ML for science

Cryogenic transport & magnetometry

Education

PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or Materials Science

Tools

PPMS

XRD

AFM/STM

ARPES

XPS

Neutron reflectometry

Job description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the synthesis of quantum materials aimed at understanding their novel properties. This will be a highly collaborative position residing in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Requisition Id 17391

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Synthesize thin film materials by molecular beam epitaxy.
• Characterize electronic, magnetic, and structural properties. Necessary to have experience with select techniques such as
• Electronic transport with systems such as Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS)
• Lab source or synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• Magnetometry
• Scanning probe microscopy such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)
• Photoemission spectroscopies
• X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS)
• Angle-resolved photo-emission spectroscopy (ARPES)
• Neutron reflectometry
• Lead user proposals to gain access to DOE-funded user facilities.
• Proven record of disseminating scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Work in a fast paced and highly collaborative environment at ORNL to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• 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 Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related science discipline, completed within the last 5 years
• Experience in background in epitaxial thin film synthesis, ultrahigh vacuum techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission, or cryogenic transport and magnetometry measurements.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences
• Familiarity with numerical data analysis and customization of control software (Python, Labview, etc.).
• Knowledge of AI/ML methods for science
• Experience with the use of PPMS, XRD, dilution refrigerator, SQUID, XPS, scanning probes, soft x-rays, and neutrons
• 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.

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.

• 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.