Postdoctoral Research Associate- Vapor Phase Processing of Ultra-High Temperature Materials

Tribonet; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop vapor phase processing of ultra-high temperature materials. The role focuses on CVD/CVI of refractory metals, ceramics, and CMCs, with microstructure characterization and high-temperature testing.

The candidate collaborates with ORNL experts, uses advanced deposition and analysis tools, and contributes to national lab partnerships. DOE Q clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• This position requires a PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• This position requires the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.
• Experience with CVD/CVI processing of ceramics and composites is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute vapor deposition experiments using cold- and hot-wall CVD reactors.
• Plan and execute CVI experiments of porous refractory metal, ceramic and CMC preforms.
• Maintain and upgrade existing CVD/CVI reactor systems.
• Analyze porosity, microstructure and elemental composition of materials.
• Collaborate with national labs, universities, and industry on UHTMs/UHTCs.
• Present results and publish in peer-reviewed journals; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

CVD reactor systems

Gas handling

Safety mindset

High temperature ceramics

Thin films analysis

Experimental design

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

CVD/CVI equipment

Analytical instrumentation (TEM/SEM)

Job description

An educational platform on tribology - the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Vapor Phase Processing of Ultra-High Temperature Materials

Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on developing processes to create ultra-high temperature refractory metals/ceramics (UHTMs/UHTCs) and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. The role will include process development and characterization of the microstructure and behavior of these high-purity vapor-phase processed refractory metals, ceramics, and composites. The candidate will team with ORNL's world-class experts and have access to the state-of-the-art facilities. This position resides in the Surface Engineering and Tribology Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This position offers the opportunity to develop and refine skills in multiple areas critical to materials science, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of advanced ceramic and composite materials, detailed elemental and microstructural analysis of materials using state-of-the-art equipment, and extreme environment testing. In addition, the postdoctoral research associate may be involved with other types of processing methods for UHTMs/UHTCs, such as colloidal processing, polymer impregnation pyrolysis (PIP), and reactive melt infiltration (RMI). The candidate will play a key role in a UHTM/UHTC development initiative that aims to address significant materials challenges associated with hypersonic vehicle propulsion and structures, fusion and fission nuclear power generation structural materials, higher efficiency power generation turbines, and aeroengines.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform thermodynamic and kinetic calculations using commercial software packages for planning and optimizing vapor deposition experiments
• Plan and execute vapor deposition of ceramics experiments using cold- and hot-wall CVD reactors
• Plan and execute CVI experiments of porous refractory metal, ceramic and CMC preforms
• Maintain and upgrade existing state-of-the‑art CVD/CVI reactor systems
• Design, fabricate and commission a novel forced-flow thermal-gradient CVI (FCVI) reactor
• Analyze results of experiments by evaluating porosity distribution, microstructure and elemental composition of the materials created
• Collaborate with other groups, national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to fabricate UHTMs/UHTCs via vapor deposition, additive manufacturing, PIP and RMI
• Evaluate mechanical properties of thin films and components fabricated, and their high temperature behavior and corrosion response in various environments
• 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 dedication 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• This position requires the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing experiments with CVD reactor systems, gas handling and related equipment
• Safety mindset for working with potentially hazardous gases, byproducts, and materials
• Basic knowledge of the relationship between temperatures, gas mixture volumes, velocities and resonance times for vapor deposition and infiltration experiments.
• Knowledge of high temperature ceramic materials, i.e., carbides, nitrides, borides, etc.
• Familiarity with elemental and microstructural analysis of thin films, ceramics, and CMCs
• Ability to design experiments to iterate and validate computational models
• A record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national conferences
• A strong commitment to scientific integrity
• 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

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Benefits at ORNL

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.

Special Requirements

Visa Sponsorship

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.