Fiber Process Engineering - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 12655 

Overview:   

We are seeking a Research Staff Member to support efforts in polymer process engineering and manufacturing of high-performance fibers. This position resides in the Carbon and Composites Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our team, you will be responsible for independently solving a variety of sophisticated technical problems for polymer engineering or technical projects and functions supported. For example, you will independently tackle technical problems which require  foundational experience, and an understanding of the technical competencies in the areas of scaled-up polymer synthesis and processing, fiber manufacturing, development of carbon products, elastomer process engineering, and sensitive processing of high-performance polymers. The work is supervised for overall accuracy and quality of results.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Establish structure-processing-property relationships of polymers and develop strategies for processing the polymers for targeted performance

• Analyze spinnability of polymers and conduct spinning of fibers via melt or solution processing.

• Development of synthesis procedures to design new polymers

• Translate of bench-scale (<500 ml) synthesis of polymers (suspension and emulsion polymerization) to pilot scale reactor (20 L)

• Investigate accelerated aging of polymer products and deliver solutions to polymer process engineering in the context of energy and national security

• Work in a team environment with other staff members as well as independently

• Develop and communicate procedures for polymer synthesis, fiber processing and polymer composites

• Laboratory space management and hazardous chemical inventory management

• Fully document work performed in the laboratory and present results in group meetings, to sponsors and at national meetings

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements

• Maintain strong commitment 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• MS degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or Chemistry with at least 5 years of experience; or a PhD in the same areas.

• Experience in polymer synthesis, solution spinning and processing of high-performance fibers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in various polymer characterization and testing methods including oscillatory and capillary rheology of polymer melts or gels, thermal analysis of polymers, roll-to-roll processing and thermoforming of polymeric products, spectroscopy of polymers, size-exclusion chromatography of polymers

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Motivated and safety conscious

• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment

• Able to conduct safe research with nanomaterials and a wide range of chemicals requiring specific handling

• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a limited amount of time and to independently set priorities to accomplish numerous tasks to meet deadlines

• Experience in handling classified projects

Special Requirements:

• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.  

• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet 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.

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 [email protected].

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.