Postdoctoral Research Associate - Nanocarbon based Materials Chemistry and Synthesis

Requisition Id 12744 

Purpose:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in inorganic or materials chemistry/science, chemical and physical synthesis to develop, characterize, and test nanocarbon (i.e., carbon nanotubes, graphene) incorporated metal-matrix composites (i.e., advanced ultra conductive materials) relevant to electric vehicle applications. Under general supervision, you will conduct experimental research on developing nanocarbon dispersion formulations and coating processes on thin metal foils, and electrical, microstructural, and mechanical properties characterizations of the developed materials. This project will develop materials and processing technologies that will result in reduced ohmic loss conductors that can transport power with smaller size and/or lightweight wires/cables, and enable better thermal management across electric system components, potentially resulting in immense technological and economic value in all energy sectors ranging from on and off board components in electric drive vehicles (EVs) to power grid systems, as well as interconnects to electronic devices and motors. This position resides in the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of the Nanomaterials Chemistry Group, you will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team comprising specialists in organic and inorganic synthesis, dispersion chemistry, thin film processing, and a suite of materials characterization techniques. Research activities involve both experimental and computational studies to establish an improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms of enhanced electrical transport properties. As part of our research team, you will be responsible for delivering high impact research in batch processing and reel-to-reel scalable fabrication of nanocarbon incorporated ultra conductive metal composites through development of new chemistries for effective nanocarbon dispersions, thin film coating processes, and characterization of electrical/microstructural/mechanical properties. This incumbent will work in close collaboration with industry partners involved with the ongoing projects.

The role supports the research efforts of several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). This research program also takes advantage of resources at ORNL including the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) and advanced computational facilities. The environment at ORNL is highly collaborative and crosscutting research exists between the CSD and other Divisions at ORNL.

Overview:

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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform hands-on synthesis and characterization of advanced carbon nanotube or graphene incorporated metals to meet project goals
• Develop new chemical formulations for stable dispersion of nanocarbons in organic and aqueous solvents
• Conduct deposition of nanocarbons and metal thin films using electrospinning, ultrasonic spray, and physical vapor (e.g., metal sputtering) on metal tape substrates.
• Conduct both batch and reel-to-reel continuous fabrication of the nanocarbon/metal composites
• Develop new material systems and fabrication strategies for cost effective and higher performance metal-matrix composites
• Use multiple characterization techniques to advance the understanding of chemical, electrical processes, material interactions/properties, and mechanical properties (e.g., FTIR, UV-Vis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Surface wettability analysis, Ampacity and Mechanical properties testing set-ups, etc.)
• Work with the research team to support a broad range of program development opportunities in the field of high conductivity metal-matrix composites
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner fashion.
• Help to team goals and work with other team members
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electrospinning
• Experience with nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other nanoparticles
• Experience with various chemical and physical coating processes in particular magnetron sputtering 
• Experience with analytical characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, DMA, XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM, XPS.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• 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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Position reports to the Group Leader, Nanomaterials Chemistry Group, in the Chemical Sciences Division and interfaces with administrative staff, managers and visitors to ORNL.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to 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 

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, 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.