Senior Technician- Electron Microscopy

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible hours

On-site amenities

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a Senior Technician to prepare electrochemical device samples for electron microscopy. You will create electron-transparent cross sections using diamond-knife ultramicrotomy and FIB milling for STEM analysis, and perform routine SEM imaging and EDS.

You will join the Applied Microanalysis & Thermophysics Group within the Materials Analysis & Interface Science Section, contributing to innovative workflows and data interpretation

Qualifications

• AS degree in related discipline and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in sample preparation and/or electron microscopy techniques.
• Ability to work safely following ES&H standards and procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Mount powder samples on TEM grids using drop-casting techniques.
• Prepare electron-transparent cross sections using ultramicrotomy.
• Use FIB for lift-out and cross-sectional imaging.
• Perform SEM imaging and EDS analysis.
• Analyze data with commercial software and assist workflow development.
• Support ORNL mission while upholding core values.

Skills

Electron microscopy

Sample preparation

TEM

SEM imaging

EDS analysis

FIB milling

Ultramicrotomy

Cross sections

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

AS degree in related discipline

Tools

Commercial electron microscopy software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Technician who will focus on sample preparation of electrochemical devices for analysis by electron microscopy. The candidate will prepare electron transparent cross sections using diamond-knife ultramicrotomy and focused ion beam milling for characterization by scanning transmission electron microscopy, while also providing routine analysis by scanning electron microscopy. This position resides in the Applied Microanalysis & Thermophysics Group of the Materials Analysis & Interface Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Requisition Id 17103

Level: TN04

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Technician who will focus on sample preparation of electrochemical devices for analysis by electron microscopy. The candidate will prepare electron transparent cross sections using diamond-knife ultramicrotomy and focused ion beam milling for characterization by scanning transmission electron microscopy, while also providing routine analysis by scanning electron microscopy. This position resides in the Applied Microanalysis & Thermophysics Group of the Materials Analysis & Interface Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Mount powder samples on TEM grids using conventional drop-casting techniques
• Prepare electron-transparent cross sections of membrane electrode assemblies using room-temperature diamond-knife ultramicrotomy
• Utilize focused ion beam techniques for sample preparation (lift-out technique) and cross-sectional imaging
• Perform routine scanning electron microscopy imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis
• Complete basic data analysis using commercial electron microscopy software
• Assist in developing novel workflows for epoxy-free ultramicrotomy sectioning
• 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

• AS degree in related discipline and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience
• Prior experience in sample preparation and/or electron microscopy techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven ability to work safely in accordance with ES&H standards and procedures
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• 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

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.
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.