Postdoctoral Researcher - Composites Manufacturing & Characterization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance composites manufacturing and characterization across automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors using bio- and waste-derived resins. You will work in a multidisciplinary team within MSD’s Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group to design experiments and publish high‑quality research.

The role emphasizes safe work, timely deliverables, and collaboration with industry and academic partners, with opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field within the last five years.
• Ability to work safely in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Excellent written and oral English for an international audience.

Responsibilities

• Perform composites manufacturing using compression and/or injection molding, and additive manufacturing.
• Operate characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, TMA, XRD, rheology, extruders, and microscopy.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize new materials for various properties.
• Disseminate research findings in peer‑reviewed journal articles per year.
• Prioritize multiple projects to meet goals and deliverables.
• Report progress to staff and sponsors on project status.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environment, health, and quality programs.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

Interdisciplinary teamwork

English communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and/or Systems Engineering, or Polymer Science and Engineering

Job description

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Postdoctoral Researcher - Composites Manufacturing & Characterization

For this role, we are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to either refine or develop their expertise in composites manufacturing and characterization. As part of this role, the ideal candidate will be passionate about manifesting higher-level project deliverables into a timely, high-quality product. The immediate project needs for this candidate are in the development and optimization of products for a variety of industries from automotive to aerospace made from new bio- and waste-derived plastic resins and fillers. The ideal candidate for this role would be passionate about leveraging their experience or developing new expertise in composites manufacturing through a variety of methods from benchtop to pilot-scale. They should then be passionate about leveraging the one-of-a-kind characterization capabilities available across the laboratory to perform necessary characterization techniques to understand, optimize, and refine the material formulations. The candidate should be comfortable working alongside interdisciplinary teams of people with multiple areas of expertise and designing experiments to answer specific research questions. The candidate must be self-motivated with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for performing safe work. The candidate will be expected to simultaneously execute multiple projects, contribute to development of new initiatives in their area, interact with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners. This position resides in the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Our research team carries out high-quality R&D focused on the development of new, high performance, lower-cost, domestically sourced composite manufacturing for applications in aerospace, automotive, and marine/shipbuilding industries, as well as trending areas of international composite research in material science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and automation. The successful candidate will support research in a variety of areas and support staff in publishing original peer-reviewed research articles.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform composites manufacturing using a variety of techniques including compression and/or injection molding, and additive manufacturing
• Operate characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, TMA, XRD, rheology, twin-screw extruders, and electron and optical microscopy
• Design and execute experiments to characterize experiments to characterize new, innovative materials for a variety of properties using the comprehensive characterization capabilities across the laboratory
• Disseminate research findings in the form of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles per year
• Prioritizing multiple research projects at once to meet strategic goals and deliverables
• Regularly report to research staff and project sponsors on the status of projects
• 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. Promoteequal opportunityby fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and/or Systems Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• 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.

• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility 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.