Senior Research Staff - Atom Probe Tomography

Date: Jul 24, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15140 

Level: RP04

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Senior Research Staff Scientist who will focus on elucidating microstructure-property relationships in materials using atom probe tomography (APT). This position resides in the electron Microscopy and MicroAnalysis (eMMA) Group in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  Your work will focus on establishing new collaborations with external CNMS users who access the APT facilities while also fostering close collaborations with researchers from many groups across ORNL to establish new programs that leverage APT for materials science and beyond. 

As part of our research team, you will lead the APT research efforts and facilities within the CNMS. You will be responsible for performing microstructural characterization and expanding the utility of APT to explore non-traditional materials such as liquid-solid interfaces, soft matter, catalysts, semi- and non-conductors, oxide heterostructures, etc. In the traditional sense, you will be responsible for understanding basic microstructure, such as identifying the phase, phase distribution, precipitate volume fractions, composition profiles, etc., and linking these observations to mechanical and oxidation properties, correlating microstructural evolution to mechanical properties during processing, and microstructural evolution after long-term creep and oxidation/environmental exposures. To maintain leadership in atom probe research, CNMS recently acquired a Cameca local electrode atom probe (LEAP) model 6000XR and two new focused ion beam (FIB) instruments dedicated to preparing APT specimens – a conventional Ga+ FIB and a cryogenic plasma FIB (cryo-PFIB) – to enable the study of non-metallic specimens via APT, which will keep CNMS at the forefront of APT and enable you to conduct cutting-edge materials research across a much broader range of materials systems. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
  • A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in atom probe tomography

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations at conferences
  • Proficiency in APT data acquisition/processing using IVAS
  • Hands-on experience with sample preparation using FIB methods
  • Data coding and analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.
  • Some experience with analytical TEM/STEM techniques and exposure to X-ray and neutron scattering methods
  • 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.

Special Requirements: 

Letters of Recommendation: 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.[PK2]  

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.[PK3] 

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.


 

 

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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