Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Magnets Under High Fields
Date: Sep 30, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15429
Overview:
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on neutron scattering studies of Quantum Magnets under High Fields. This position resides in the Single Crystal Group in the Diffraction Section, Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of a team, you will explore the exotic magnetic states, magnetic phase transitions, and corresponding structural responses at high magnetic fields, using high flux neutron scattering techniques. Additionally, collaborative work will be performed with the aim of developing pulse-field measurements at CORELLI at SNS. This work will be conducted collaboratively with scientists within ORNL and from external universities, providing an opportunity to work in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Perform neutron scattering experiments and analysis of resulting data to understand the static and dynamic properties of the materials.
- Contribute to the development of pulsed-field setup for extreme field physics using neutrons scattering technique.
- Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
- As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in condensed matter physics, material science, solid-state chemistry or a related field completed within the last five years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Basic understanding of x-ray or neutron scattering is desirable but not essential.
- Experience in magnetic studies under high magnetic fields.
- Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems
- Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
- Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
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.
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:
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
- 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.
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.
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