Multi-Material Composite Processing - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 12656 

Overview:   

We are seeking an R&D Associate to support our research efforts in the processing and characterization of new sustainable polymers, adhesives, and organic/inorganic hybrid materials.  The research will focus on multi-material lightweight components for future vehicles.  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 some level of experience, and an understanding of the technical competencies in the areas of scaled-up polymer processing via reactive extrusion, elastomer process engineering and corrosion resistant adhesives. The work is supervised for overall accuracy and quality of results.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct synthesis and characterization of new polymers and chemical modification of polymeric materials to establish structure-property-processability relationships
• Develop methods to modify the interface of polymer matrix and composites or metals
• Optimize the properties of polymer materials by tuning the morphologies and create new materials with kinetically trapped non-equilibrium morphology
• Characterize polymeric and organic/inorganic hybrid materials by a variety of methods including thermal and mechanical analysis, interlaminar shear strength measurement of interfacial matrix, microscopy, rheology, optical spectroscopy, and data analysis
• Work in a team environment with co-workers, principal investigators, and other staff members as well as independently to 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 reactive processing of polymers and adhesives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in multiphase polymer synthesis via reactive processing and characterization
• Experience in monitoring interfacial activity of additives in multiphase systems during processing of polymers (extruding, molding etc.)
• Expertise in thermal analysis and mechanical testing of polymers and polymer composites
• 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

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] or call 1.866.963.9545.

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.