Scientific Associate - Soft Matter

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Soft Matter Scientific Associate to provide experimental support for neutron scattering studies on soft matter systems, with emphasis on liquid handling. The role is in the Soft Matter Group within the Sample Environment and User Labs Section of the Neutron Scattering Division, ORNL.

You will calibrate and install sample environments across SANS, reflectometry, spin-echo, and backscattering instruments, develop new designs and operating programs for soft

Qualifications

• BS degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree preferred in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate and install sample environments for soft matter research across neutron scattering instruments (SANS, reflectometer, spin echo, backscattering).
• Lead development of new designs, operating programs of equipment, test procedures, and work plans focusing 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 wide-ranging support to users to facilitate work in a 24-hour user facility, with limited supervision.
• Respond promptly to emergent troubleshooting situations (often after hours or weekends).
• Perform equipment handling, including use of overhead facility cranes and rigging activities.

Skills

Soft matter

Neutron scattering

Liquid handling

Experimental support

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or related field

Advanced degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, biology or related field

Job description

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 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
• 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.