Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantitative Neutron Imaging for Energy Storage

Overview:    

Oak Ridge National Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance quantitative, high‑throughput neutron imaging for next‑generation energy‑storage materials. In this role, you will develop and apply methods that integrate physics‑guided image correction with intelligent (AI/ML‑enabled) data‑acquisition strategies. Key objectives include (1) implementing and validating scattering‑correction and calibration workflows that yield quantitative attenuation coefficients, and (2) designing adaptive tomography approaches that reduce acquisition time while maintaining or improving image quality. These advances will directly support operando studies of solid‑state batteries and porous electrodes and accelerate the development of predictive transport and performance models. 

This position resides in the Materials Engineering Group in the Large-Scale Structures Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As a postdoctoral fellow, you will produce publishable results at a steady pace and work at the interface of neutron imaging, computational modeling, and workflow automation. Applicants with strengths in any of these areas — quantitative imaging, modeling/transport science, machine learning, or scientific programming — are encouraged to apply.  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Lead energy‑storage imaging experiments at the MARS beamline (HFIR CG‑1D), including experiment planning, operando support, data reduction, and delivery of quantitative reconstructed datasets 

• Develop and implement scattering‑correction, calibration, and adaptive data‑acquisition methods to improve measurement efficiency and throughput 

• Apply physics‑based or computational transport modeling to interpret internal material gradients and dynamic processes 

• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences 

• 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 chemistry, physics, computer science, materials science, or a related field with no more than five years of postdoctoral experience  

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in energy‑storage research (batteries, electrochemistry, or related fields) 

• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB, R, Julia) 

• Experience with quantitative image analysis or tomographic reconstruction 

• Background in transport modeling (continuum methods, CFD, or data‑driven surrogates) 

• Interest in or experience with machine learning/AI applied to scientific data 

• Demonstrated research productivity and ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment 

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 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. 

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• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov 

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• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document