Postdoctoral Research Associate - Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing

Requisition Id 15281 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on distributed sensing using optical fibers for maintenance and component health applications for microreactors. This position resides in the Nuclear and Extreme Environment Measurements (NEEM) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The NEEM Group focuses on pushing the limitations of materials, sensors, and experiments through technology development, advanced instrumentation, irradiation experiments, and rapid design/fabrication. As part of the research team, you will investigate optical fiber instrumentation, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)/optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR), optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), and other technologies relevant to nuclear reactor structural health monitoring and maintenance. The candidate will be expected to install, configure, analyze, and develop signal processing algorithms to characterize structural health in microreactors and other advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Metrics for success will include scientific output, disseminating results at national and international conferences and other technical meetings, and delivering programmatic milestones.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Characterize vibrational spectra from equipment supporting microreactor operation and establish correlations to structural health and required maintenance procedures.
• Develop conventional or AI/ML-enabled signal processing algorithms to automate vibrational analysis and identification of events relevant to reactor maintenance.
• Assemble (splicing, polishing, testing, etc.) and installing optical fiber sensors in microreactor-relevant environments.
• Interface with other staff working in related areas including vibroacoustic signal analysis, signal processing, optical fiber sensing, and general instrumentation.
• Document results in technical reports, patents, journal papers, and conference publications, participate in proposals, and estimate costs.
• 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 degree in physics, optical or electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in optical fiber communications and sensing.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or other language for data analysis or instrumentation control.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR), and/or other optical fiber sensing techniques (e.g. OFDR, EFPI, etc.).
• Experience implementing signal processing techniques, including IIR filters, transfer functions, spectral analysis, etc.
• Experience working with benchtop instrumentation, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, optical spectrum analyzers, etc.
• Experience designing/testing embedded microelectronics/photonics systems.
• Experience working at or collaboration with DOE national laboratories.
• 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:

• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.

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.

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.