R&D Associate: Biomaterials Structure Evolution & Microfabrication

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a Research & Development Associate to advance microfabrication and mesoscale polymer synthesis via liquid–liquid phase separation of biomass fractions. The role sits in the Carbon and Composites Group, within the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division.

The candidate will design experiments, synthesize materials with hierarchical morphologies, and collaborate to develop new processing methods while ensuring

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline with focus on nonequilibrium morphologies in soft materials via liquid-liquid self-assembly and interfacial phenomena.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-PhD experience in design of functional polymeric materials via multiphase fluid processing.
• Experienced in microscopic analysis of polymer morphologies.
• Experienced in Python for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments to build phase diagram of biomass-solvent-nonsolvent fractions for facile separation of biomass fractions.
• Synthesize materials with hierarchical morphology via non-equilibrium phase separation.
• Conduct microfabrication and mesoscale material synthesis.
• Manufacture fibers from oligomeric biomaterials for multifunctional use.
• Manufacture functionalized porous fibers for separation and enrichment applications.
• Collaborate with co-workers, principal investigators, and other staff to follow procedures for polymer synthesis and characterization and to develop new processing methods.
• Laboratory space management and maintain hazardous chemical inventory management.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service; promote equal opportunity.

Skills

Microscopy analysis of polymer morph

Python for data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a Research & Development Associate to advance microfabrication and mesoscale polymer synthesis via liquid–liquid phase separation of biomass fractions. The role sits in the Carbon and Composites Group, within the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division.

The candidate will design experiments, synthesize materials with hierarchical morphologies, and collaborate to develop new processing methods while ensuring