Chemical Spectroscopy Instrument Scientist
Date: May 8, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 14920
Overview:
We are seeking a Neutron Scattering Chemical Spectroscopy Instrument Scientist for the vibrational spectrometer VISION. This vibrational spectrometer is a part of the chemical spectroscopy suite at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This suite is composed of VISION and BASIS, a backscattering neutron spectrometer. VISION is a time-of-flight indirect geometry spectrometer optimized to characterize molecular vibrations in materials over a broad energy range (-2 to 600 meV). The spectrometer supports a diverse science community, carrying out world-class research in chemistry, catalysis, and materials science. More details about the spectrometer and its scientific impact can be found at https://neutrons.ornl.gov/vision.
The Chemical Spectroscopy Instrument Scientist supporting the VISION spectrometer will focus on developing a scientific program focused on neutron spectroscopy, helping to develop and expand the user community on VISION, and championing developments in instrumentation, sample environment, or other enabling capabilities to maintain and further improve the performance of the instrument and expand the user base. A key component of this position is to ensure safe operation and user support of the beamline, which includes supporting users as a local contact, helping with the experimental setup, data acquisition, and data analysis. You will have the opportunity to work with users on a wide range of science topics. It is expected that you pursue your own research program focusing on the neutron scattering capabilities available at both SNS and the High Flux Isotope Reactor in combination with other unique ORNL-based resources.
This position resides in the Chemical Spectroscopy Group of the Spectroscopy Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
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Pursue a high-quality personal research program using neutron spectroscopy, build national, international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.
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Assist users as a local contact for experimental setup and data acquisition, participate in user education as appropriate, and ensure users are provided with analyzable data when possible.
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Pursue developments in instrumentation, sample environment, and software to help maintain and further advance the performance of the instrument suite.
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Attract new users, both broadly and from areas related to your own research, to expand the user community and the impact of neutron scattering in the physical, chemical, and material sciences.
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Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
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As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
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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:
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A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field.
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A minimum of 1 year of related experience. (Applicants with additional years of experience are strongly encouraged to apply and we will hire commensurate with years of experience.)
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A strong record of research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Substantial experience with neutron vibrational spectroscopy and related analysis.
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Experience with other spectroscopic techniques (Raman, Mössbauer, etc.).
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Previous beamline support experience in a neutron or synchrotron X-ray user facility.
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Demonstrated ability to work with other technical and scientific support groups
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, 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: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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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.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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.
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