R&D Associate: Biomaterials Structure & Phase Evolution

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Savings Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks an R&D Associate focused on microfabrication and mesoscale material synthesis via liquid-liquid phase separation of biomass fractions. You will explore nonequilibrium morphologies, develop phase diagrams, and work on polymer processing with a team of researchers.

The role requires a PhD and 3+ years postdoc experience in related areas, plus strong Python data analysis and microscopy skills.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline with particular focus on nonequilibrium morphologies in soft materials via liquid-liquid self-assembly and associated interfacial phenomena.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience post PhD 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.
• Develop fluid mechanics models for understanding fluid transport during processing.
• Manufacture fibers from oligomeric biomaterials for multifunctional use.
• Manufacture functionalized porous fibers for separation and enrichment applications.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers, principal investigators, and other staff members 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, 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.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comms

Safety conscious

Strong communication skills

Python for data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science

Tools

Python

Job description

UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks an R&D Associate focused on microfabrication and mesoscale material synthesis via liquid-liquid phase separation of biomass fractions. You will explore nonequilibrium morphologies, develop phase diagrams, and work on polymer processing with a team of researchers.

The role requires a PhD and 3+ years postdoc experience in related areas, plus strong Python data analysis and microscopy skills.