Postdoctoral Research Associate - Surface Energy and Tribology

Requisition Id 10998 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Surface Engineering and Tribology Group in the Materials Structure and Processing Section, Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) within the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  As a Postdoc, you will focus on investigation of the fluid-solid interfacial phenomena in tribological contact.

As part of our team, you will work with ORNL’s world-class experts and have access to the state-of-the-art facilities to learn, grow, and make major contributions to the exciting research activities here. You will be primarily involved in two projects: (a) investigation of the ink transfer behavior between polymer and paper upon contact and sliding and (b) study of the chemomechanical interactions between lubricants and metal surfaces upon rolling-sliding. Given that surface engineering and tribology truly is an interdisciplinary area, we’re looking for someone that will be open-minded in applying combined materials, mechanical and chemical technologies and in collaborating with researchers from other groups, divisions, and outside partners. In addition to meeting project milestones and producing high impact publications, involvement in professional societies and contributions to local communities are also highly encouraged.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Characterize the contact angle, roughness, morphology, composition, and hardness of the surfaces of interest
• Investigate the impact of surface treatments on surface energy
• Calculate the contact pressure and fluid film thickness at the interface
• Develop tribo-testing protocols with relevant conditions to the actual applications
• Carry out tribological testing and friction and wear analysis
• Understand the chemomechanical interactions at the liquid-solid interfaces
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• 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 Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in surface energy measurement and modification
• Experience in tribology and lubrication
• Familiarity surface characterization tools
• Strong interest and aptitude for experimental, hands-on laboratory work
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• 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

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

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.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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.

Special Requirements:

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Export control, no clearance:  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.