Postdoctoral Research Associate - Dynamic Structural Characterization of Polymers

Requisition Id 13843 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on developing and refining strategies for measuring structural changes in charged and polyzwitterionic polymers, with unique topologies, in changing environments, under flow, and at interfaces.  The position resides in the Macromolecular Nanomaterials Group at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and will be directly associated with the Harnessing Complex Macromolecular Conformations (HCMC) theme science research at the CNMS. The overarching goal of the HCMC theme is to connect non-equilibrium chain conformations of polymers to macroscopic structure, properties and responses to external stimuli. The research of the HCMC theme focusses on understanding and controlling polymer chain conformations in non-equilibrium conditions.  The fundamental insights gained are highly relevant to technology development in applications for polymer batteries, 3D printing, and anti-fouling membranes. Work across the theme focusses on charged polymers and non-linear chain architectures for modulating conformations and generating different responses to external stimuli such as applied electric fields and fluid flow.

The theme is comprised of a highly interdisciplinary team of scientists at the CNMS with complementary skillsets in polymer synthesis, density functional theory, and impedance measurements.  As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work within the theme to develop a clearer picture of how polymers, particularly ionic and polyzwitterionic polymers, undergo conformational changes in melts, solutions, in the presence of additives, and at interfaces using different light, x-ray, and neutron scattering techniques. Your efforts will bolster a comprehensive experimental and computational workflow that iteratively predicts, captures, and interprets dynamic multimodal information about polymeric materials during formation, response and evolution.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Small angle x-ray and neutron scattering for bulk samples
• X-ray and neutron reflectivity from thin films
• Dynamic light scattering and rheology of polymer solutions
• Preparation of polymer thin films and printed 3D structures
• Work closely with the Functional Atomic Force Microscopy and the Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials groups, and the Nanomaterials Theory Institute at the CNMS to study and improve molecular materials.
• Present and report research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Polymer Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related science discipline completed within the last five years

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong background in physical characterization of ionic polymers with an emphasis on light, X-ray, and neutron scattering
• Experience in basic chemical characterization including gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), light scattering, thermal characterization and viscoelastic measurements. 
• A record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference presentations
• The abilities to be a self-starter, to work independently and to participate creatively in a collaborative team effort
• Proven ability to function well in a dynamic research environment, set priorities, multi- task and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements:

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.

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

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for 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.