Postdoctoral Research Associate- Experimental and Computational Research on Nuclear Materials

Requisition Id 15907 

­­Overview:  

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) within the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to investigate the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of irradiated metals and ceramics using advanced experimental and computational methods. The selected candidates will conduct research on irradiated materials using the capabilities of the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing Facility and the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis Laboratory at ORNL, along with computational tools for integrated atomistic modeling in support of materials research for extreme environments. The candidates will develop and apply advanced experimental characterization, mechanical testing, 3D microstructural analysis, finite element simulations, atomistic modeling, and thermal transport measurement techniques to advance mechanistic understanding and predictive capabilities for advanced nuclear materials systems. In addition, this work includes developing processes that connect mechanical and thermophysical testing data with the microstructures of ceramic and metallic materials for eventual incorporation into materials qualification processes and nuclear energy system performance models.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform experimental research to evaluate the effects of neutron irradiation on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of nuclear ceramics, composites, structural alloys, and related materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural and defect characterization of irradiated materials using advanced techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, and related methods.
• Analyze experimental data to determine mechanisms of irradiation-induced and thermally induced damage and to establish microstructure–property relationships.
• Develop and execute atomistic and mesoscale simulations to predict deformation, anisotropy evolution, defect behavior, and materials performance under irradiation, thermal, and mechanical loading.
• Plan and perform thermophysical property measurements and integrate measurement results with modeling predictions through model–experiment validation workflows.
• Develop and implement advanced data analysis methodologies, automated processing tools, and reproducible workflows to generate validated, publication-quality datasets, analyses, and visualizations.
• Communicate research results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with internal ORNL teams and external partners, including contributions to proposals and project development.
• 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:

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Demonstrated experience with advanced materials characterization equipment and/or atomistic simulation tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Experience with multiple advanced materials characterization techniques, including complex mechanical testing, thermophysical property measurements, high-resolution microscopy, and in situ neutron or X-ray scattering and tomography methods.
  • Strong background in computational and image-processing software, scientific programming, and high-performance computing environments.
  • Knowledge of materials behavior in extreme environments (e.g., high temperature, irradiation, corrosion, and mechanical stress) and familiarity with multiscale and continuum modeling approaches.
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations, or strong evidence of publication potential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and within interdisciplinary, collaborative research teams, including mentoring students, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and adapting to evolving research and programmatic needs.

• 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: 

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

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.