Scientific Associate - Soft Matter

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

On-site Fitness

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Soft Matter Scientific Associate to provide experimental support for neutron scattering on soft matter, with emphasis on liquid handling. You will help operate, maintain, and develop equipment for soft matter studies and collaborate with instrument scientists and facility users.

Requires a BS in a physical science and 5+ years of relevant experience; an advanced degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree in physical sciences preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate and install sample environments for soft matter across neutron instruments.
• Lead development of designs and procedures for soft matter flow devices.
• Assist development of new sample environments with instrument scientists and users.
• Provide broad support to users in a 24-hour facility with limited supervision.
• Respond to emergent troubleshooting, including after hours and weekends.
• Operate equipment including overhead cranes and rigging activities.

Skills

Neutron scattering

Liquid handling

Experimental support

Equipment operation

Education

BS in Physics/ Chemistry/ Materials Science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Overhead cranes

Liquid handling devices

Job description

Requisition Id 16962

Overview

We are seeking a Soft Matter Scientific Associate who will focus on experimental support for neutron scattering experiments on soft matter systems with a focus on liquid handling. This position resides in the Soft Matter Group in the Sample Environment and User Labs Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our team, you will support neutron scattering experiments by engaging researchers to operate, maintain, and develop equipment designed to handle soft matter. Priorities will focus on liquid handling and flow devices. Work with several other operational groups to manage systems and train personnel on equipment use.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate and install sample environments for soft matter research across neutron scattering instruments including small-angle neutron scattering, reflectometer, spin echo, and backscattering.
• Lead the development of new designs, operating programs of equipment, test procedures, and work plans with a focus on soft matter and flow devices.
• Assist development of new sample environments for soft matter research focused on flow devices and liquid handling with instrument scientists and facility users.
• Provide a wide range of support to users to facilitate their work in a 24-hour user facility, with limited supervision.
• Timely response to emergent troubleshooting situations (often after normal business hours or on weekends).
• Perform equipment handling, including use of overhead facility cranes and rigging activities.
• 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 BS degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in liquid handling or sample environment devices.

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Benefits at ORNL

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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 includethe 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail]

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.