Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI Assisted Materials Exploration with Neutron Diffraction

Requisition Id 14936 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Powder Diffraction Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). NScD operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor-based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out more than 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL, please go to this link: http://neutrons.ornl.gov

As part of a team, you will explore the complicated coupling between the local structure and various degrees of freedom (orbital, spin, etc.) involved in functional materials such as the magnetoelectric, high entropy oxides, through neutron scattering experiments. Additionally, collaborative work will be performed with the aim of developing and applying machine learning techniques (such as, large language models) in the neutron powder diffraction data life cycle. This work will be conducted collaboratively with other scientists within the Neutron Scattering Division and software engineers within the Computer Science and Mathematics Division, providing an opportunity to work in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:  

• Perform neutron scattering experiments and analysis of resulting data to understand the static and dynamic properties of the materials.

• Contributes to the development of a powder diffraction workflow by integrating machine learning, specifically utilizing a large language model, as the core technology.

• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in condensed matter physics, material science, computational science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of x-ray or neutron scattering is desirable but not essential.

• Experience in applying machine learning approaches particularly large language models.

• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems

• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.

• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Applicants cannot receive their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov (For postdocs, use Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov) with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov

• View Profile

• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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.

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.