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

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Educational assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to synthesize quantum material thin films and characterize their electronic, magnetic, and structural properties. The role involves collaboration within the Quantum Heterostructures Group and DOE user facilities access leadership.

The successful candidate will contribute to publications, attend conferences, and uphold ORNL values while working across a fast-paced, collaborative environment in Tennessee.

Qualifications

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience with epitaxial thin film synthesis and ultrahigh vacuum techniques (STM, photoemission) or cryogenic transport and magnetometry measurements.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize thin film materials by molecular beam epitaxy.
• Characterize electronic, magnetic, and structural properties using techniques such as PPMS, XRD, STM/AFM, XPS, ARPES, and neutron reflectometry.
• Lead user proposals to access DOE-funded user facilities.
• Disseminate results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Maintain compliance with ESH&Q programs and ORNL core values; work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Thin film synthesis

Epitaxial growth

Magnetometry

Photoemission

ARPES

XPS

STM

Education

PhD in Condensed Matter Physics or Materials Science

Tools

PPMS

XRD

Dilution refrigerator

SQUID

XPS

Neutron scattering

Job description

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

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).

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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.