Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neutron and X-ray Scattering for Critical Minerals Extraction

Overview:    

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Powder Diffraction Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) and will closely collaborate with the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group in the Chemical Science Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). NScD operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor-based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 31 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out more than 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL, please go to this link: http://neutrons.ornl.gov  

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will focus on scientific projects to advance our understanding of critical elements production from minerals and amorphous to crystalline transitions leading to formation of critical mineral resources. You will work as part of a team whose interest include, but not limited to, chemical separation, chemical extraction, structural characterization, solution-solid reactions and amorphous to crystalline transitions.  

Our main goals are: (1) Perform X-ray and neutron measurements on powder (crystalline or amorphous) samples under in situ conditions (2) Develop in situ capabilities for neutron scattering instruments at HFIR (3) Combining neutron scattering data with complementary techniques at ORNL, to understand critical mineral formation and extraction.  

This work will be conducted with close interaction and collaboration with other scientists within Neutron Scattering Division and Chemical Science Division, with opportunity to work with collaborators in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment across ORNL. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Perform wet chemical experiments. 

• Contribute to the development of sample environments for in-situ measurement of materials for critical element extraction, chemical separation, energy storage and catalysis, at both the SNS and HFIR. 

• Perform neutrons scattering experiment that focuses on in situ investigation of critical minerals.  

• Analyze neutron and X-ray scattering data and contribute to developing data analysis workflows. 

• Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate. 

• 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 in geosciences, chemistry, material science, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, condensed matter physics, or a related field with no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience.  

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of X-ray or neutron diffraction. 

• Experience in wet chemistry. 

• Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials (Li ion batteries, solid electrolytes, clay minerals, REE-related structures). 

• Experience with solid characterization (e.g., Raman, SEM, EPMA and other characterization techniques) and liquid characterization (e.g., ICP-OES or ICP-MS).  

• Experience working in user facilities.  

• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific information to international audiences. 

• 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:  

Applicants cannot have received their PhD 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 two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to recruiting@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 

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.   

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.