Postdoctoral Research Associate - Triple-Axis Spectroscopy

Date: Mar 25, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14729 

 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will reside in the Triple-Axis Spectroscopy Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) 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 30 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.

 

As part of a team, you will explore novel quantum materials through elastic and inelastic neutron scattering experiments under extreme conditions, including low temperatures, high magnetic fields, and high pressures. Additionally, this position provides an opportunity for you to contribute to the advancement of high-pressure neutron scattering capabilities, which is currently a major focus area at HFIR. This work will be conducted collaboratively with other scientists within the Neutron Scattering Division, 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 novel quantum materials

  • Contribute to the development of new high-pressure neutron scattering capabilities  

  • 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.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in condensed matter physics, material science or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in quantum materials research, particularly under high-pressure conditions

  • Experience with neutron and/or x-ray scattering including the analysis of such data

  • 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

  • Self-motivated, good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

 

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 a 12-month extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding. 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

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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, 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.

 

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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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