Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogen Interaction with Fusion Materials

Requisition Id 13897 

Overview: 

We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct research in the field of materials science, focusing on the effects of radiation damage on the microstructure and properties of materials, as well as material-hydrogen interactions in a fusion reactor environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding of radiation damage in metals and will be responsible for characterizing radioactive materials. The role involves collecting post-irradiation characterization data, analyzing and interpreting results, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

This position is located within the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) of the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). With a distinguished history spanning several decades, REMAG is recognized as a leading research group in Radiation Effects in Materials Science. This newly available position offers an opportunity for the incumbent to deepen their understanding of multiscale mechanical phenomena in conventional and advanced radiation-resistant structural and functional materials for nuclear energy systems. Access to ORNL's unique facilities, such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory, and Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) Facility, will enable the incumbent to expand their scientific capabilities. The selected individual will primarily conduct research on irradiated materials at the IMET and LAMDA facilities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform experimental research to understand the effects of neutron irradiation on key properties of structural materials and plasma facing materials.
• Perform hydrogen retention and permeation tests on radioactive materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural examinations of neutron-irradiated materials using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.
• Maintain and upgrade vacuum system and capability.
• Present and report research findings, ensuring timely publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed journals. Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to upholding values and ethics in research and professional conduct.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (Materials), or a closely related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in experimental research on behavior of materials.
• Demonstrated experience with research in materials science and engineering

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in post-irradiation examination of irradiated materials.
• Experience with microstructure characterization using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy
• Experience with vacuum system maintenance and capability development.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induceddamages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.
• 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

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 may 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 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.

Benefits:

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.