Technical Staff Member - Corrosion Science

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a TP03 technical staff professional to lead corrosion science research in extreme environments. The role includes directing tasks, coordinating experiments, guiding junior staff, and contributing to DOE reports while maintaining rigorous documentation and safety practices.

You will operate complex corrosion testing systems including high-temperature/high-pressure environments, assist with microscopy workflows, and enhance data management and

Qualifications

• BS degree in science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with material compatibility testing in high temperature and pressure environments.
• Demonstrated experience in sample preparation for metallography and in electron microscopy/image analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CST project tasks and work packages within DOE-funded programs.
• Coordinate planning, resourcing, and scheduling of corrosion experiments and data-management activities across CST projects.
• Serve as technical point-of-contact for assigned work packages and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Microscopy workflow

Documentation practices

Education

BS in science/engineering or related field

PhD in science/engineering (preferred)

Tools

Electron microscopy software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a technical staff professional to support corrosion science research in extreme environments. This role focuses on leading and managing research tasks and work packages, conducting high‑temperature and high‑pressure corrosion experiments, assisting with microscopy and image analysis workflows for characterizing materials exposed to harsh environments, and leading corrosion data management efforts while overseeing material inventory. The position resides in the Corrosion Science and Technology (CST) Group within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Overview

We are seeking a technical staff professional to support corrosion science research in extreme environments. This role focuses on leading and managing research tasks and work packages, conducting high‑temperature and high‑pressure corrosion experiments, assisting with microscopy and image analysis workflows for characterizing materials exposed to harsh environments, and leading corrosion data management efforts while overseeing material inventory. The position resides in the Corrosion Science and Technology (CST) Group within the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As a TP03‑level technical professional, you will take on leadership responsibilities across CST’s DOE‑funded programs. This includes leading and managing project tasks and work packages, coordinating planning and resourcing of experimental and characterization activities, and serving as a technical point‑of‑contact for assigned project scopes. You will guide junior staff and technicians in laboratory execution and documentation practices, support preparation of technical content for DOE reports and reviews, and help continuously improve CST project workflows, experimental systems, microscopy pipelines, and corrosion data management practices.

Additionally, as a member of the CST research team, you will execute and document research activities in support of principal investigators, including the design, construction, operation, and improvement of unique experimental systems used to expose specimens to controlled extreme environments. You will perform laboratory and field specimen characterization, manage ORNL’s in‑house corrosion data management framework, and collaborate closely with researchers and technicians to ensure project deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project tasks and work packages within DOE‑funded programs, ensuring execution aligns with sponsor expectations, defined scope, technical milestones, and budget constraints.
• Coordinate planning, resourcing, and scheduling of corrosion experiments, materials characterization workflows, and corrosion data‑management activities across CST projects.
• Serve as a technical point‑of‑contact for assigned work packages, communicating progress, risks, and needs to principal investigators, project managers, and external collaborators.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior staff and technicians, ensuring safe operations, high‑quality experimental execution, and strong documentation practices.
• Prepare and contribute technical content for project reports, quarterly deliverables, presentations, and DOE program reviews.
• Identify and implement improvements to CST laboratory workflows, extreme‑environment corrosion testing systems, microscopy and image‑analysis pipelines, and the corrosion data‑management framework.
• Conduct material compatibility testing in high‑temperature and high‑pressure environments, including operation of corrosion testing systems involving steam, sCO2, simulated exhaust gases, hydrogen, and other extreme conditions.
• Assist with sample preparation, microscopy workflows, and image analysis tasks to support materials characterization.
• Support the design, construction, and improvement of specialized experimental systems for extreme‑environment corrosion testing while implementing new processes and procedures to enhance efficiency, repeatability, and overall test quality.
• Maintain accurate documentation of laboratory activities, experimental setups, data packages, and material inventories.
• Collaborate with researchers, technicians, and craft personnel to build, modify, repair, and safely operate complex laboratory equipment.
• Communicate effectively with team members, students, collaborators, and visitors through clear verbal and written exchanges.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements, promoting a strong safety culture within CST.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL values and ethics
• 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

• BS degree in science, engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting material compatibility testing in high temperature and pressure environments; or a minimum of 4 years of experience with a related MS degree, or a minimum of 2 years of experience with a related PhD.
• Demonstrated experience in sample preparation for metallography.
• Demonstrated experience in electron microscopy and image analyses.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in science, engineering or a related field.
• Experience utilizing microstructural characterization tools including, but not limited to, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer‑reviewed journals and technical reports.
• 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

• 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.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.