Staff Scientist - X-Ray Diffraction

Corning, Inc.; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Pension plan

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Corning, NY seeks a skilled Staff Scientist for X‑ray diffraction and DSC/TGA to advance materials characterization. You will focus on powder XRD, modeling, method development, and cross‑functional collaboration across Corning technologies.

The role requires hands‑on XRD/DSC‑TGA, strong data analysis, and a PhD in a related field. Join us to drive innovation and manufacturing support in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Geology, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on experience in a characterization-focused role with XRD and DSC/TGA.
• Strong foundation in materials science and technical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced XRD characterization, including full quantification and semi-quantification of XRD patterns using Rietveld Refinement and whole pattern fitting.
• Build Rietveld models, including structure refinement and solutions.
• Perform DSC/TGA characterization by tailoring instrument configuration, sample handling and measurement execution to suit specific needs.
• Analyzing complex thermograms and correlating data with material microstructure or composition.
• Develop, validate and document new XRD and DSC/TGA methods for characterization of complex materials.
• Collaborate with researchers to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
• Present technical results to R&D project teams and assist with root-cause investigations.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and calibrate equipment; troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Write technical reports and contribute to documentation and IP as appropriate.

Skills

XRD

DSC/TGA

Data analysis

Python

VBA

Education

PhD in Geology, Materials Science, Chemistry or related field

Tools

Rietveld Refinement

Job description

The company built on breakthroughs.

Join us.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Requisition Number: 79439

The company built on breakthroughs.

Join us.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations– not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward.

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.

Come break through with us.

Corning’s Businesses Are Ever-evolving To Best Serve Our Customers, Industries, And Consumers. Today, We Accelerate And Transform Life Sciences, Mobile Consumer Electronics, Optical Communications, Display, Automotive, And Solar Markets. We Are Changing The World With

• Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
• Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
• Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
• Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose

Corning is seeking a highly motivated, hands‑on Staff Scientist, X‑Ray Diffraction and DSC/TGA to join our characterization team in Corning, NY. This role is primarily focused on powder X‑Ray Diffraction characterization with a supporting role in the DSC/TGA area, as part of a broader structural and thermal analysis capability. In this position, you will use advanced X‑Ray Diffraction and DSC/TGA tools to understand complex materials and support innovation and manufacturing across Corning’s technologies. You will work on a broad range of materials and applications, including glass ceramics, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers and raw materials, contributing to materials development, process understanding, and production support. This role is well suited for someone with strong hands‑on XRD and DSC/TGA skills, sound scientific judgment, and a collaborative approach to solving challenging materials questions in a fast‑paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical SME, performing advanced XRD characterization, including full quantification and semi‑quantification of XRD patterns using Rietveld Refinement and whole pattern fitting
• Build Rietveld models, including structure refinement and solutions
• Perform DSC/TGA characterization by tailoring instrument configuration, sample handling and measurement execution to suit specific needs
• Analyzing complex thermograms, deconvolve overlapping thermal events, and correlate data with material microstructure or composition
• Develop, validate and document new XRD and DSC/TGA methods for characterization of complex materials when conventional methods are unavailable
• Collaborate with researchers and characterization colleagues to design experiments, applying effective characterization strategies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results
• Present technical results to R, D & E project teams/stakeholders, and assist with root‑cause investigations
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and perform routine calibrations, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and manage equipment qualification
• Write technical reports, contribute to documentation and intellectual property as appropriate.

Experiences/Education - Required

• PhD in Geology, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in a characterization-focused role, with strong experience in XRD and DSC/TGA
• Strong foundation in materials science and technical problem‑solving, particularly for complex inorganic or multiphase material systems
• Ability to execute measurements accurately, consistently, and effectively document and communicate what was done.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, draw sound technical conclusions, and communicate effectively
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment

Experiences/Education - Desired

• 5+ years of relevant experience in XRD or materials characterization
• Programming skills, preferably VBA and python, and experience developing custom scripts for interfacing with analytical software
• Develop scripts and automated pipelines to reduce manual data processing and accelerate sample throughput
• Statistical and cluster analysis

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $104,733.00 - $144,008.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job‑related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well‑being, we provide a 100% company‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Our health and well‑being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company‑paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].