Postdoctoral Research Associate- Advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy for Ferroic Materials

Requisition Id 16161 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on advanced scanning probe microscopy to study the dynamics of ferroic systems, including ferroelectric and ferroelastic materials, under external stimuli such as electric fields, light, strain, and temperature. This position resides in the Data Nanonanalytics (DNA) Group within the Nanomaterials Characterization Section of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will investigate the functional properties of novel ferroic material systems and correlate their nanoscale ferroelectric, ferroelastic, optical, and electrical responses with structure and environment, with relevance to microelectronic devices and low-power, three-dimensional, non-von Neumann computing architectures. You will utilize ORNL’s unique ultra-high-vacuum, glovebox, and ambient atomic force microscopy capabilities, together with band-excitation and internally developed modalities, to probe environmental- and temperature-dependent behavior and to develop new scanning probe techniques aimed at discovering underlying physical mechanisms. A particular focus will be on the dynamics of topological structures such as ferroelectric and ferroelastic domains and domain walls, as well as on understanding the nanoscale behavior of emerging ferroelectrics, including wurtzite- and fluorite-structured materials, through advanced measurement approaches and multidimensional data analysis. You will play an integral role in atomic force microscopy research and collaborate closely with scientists across ORNL in materials synthesis, device fabrication, theory, and complementary characterization.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct materials research using atomic force microscopy
• Work as part of a dynamic team conducting research that advances and develops cutting-edge characterization capabilities to improve our understanding of nanomaterial transformations
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of 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:

• A PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in atomic force microscopy.
• Fundamental understanding of ferroelectrics, especially in thin film form.
• Experience in Python and/or Matlab.
• Experience in materials characterization techniques such as Raman, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.
• 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility 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.

Postdocs:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. 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.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to 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

Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.

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.

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.