Postdoctoral Research Associate - Polymer Composites

Requisition Id 12242 

Overview: 

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Carbon and Composites Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized knowledge in advancing next-generation composite development through the synthesis, characterization, and assembly of polymer and/or functional nanomaterials.
• Formulate composite systems using polymer binders and inorganic fillers.
• Manufacturing polymer-based fiber-reinforced composites using diverse techniques, such as filament winding, VARTM, and other applicable methods (e.g., additive manufacturing).
• Conducting impact testing and crashworthiness assessments for composite materials.
• Analysis of composite structures.
• Publish papers in key journals and protect intellectual properties
• Ensure compliance with data management and data quality requirements
• Maintain a 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 fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in structural, mechanical, or aerospace engineering, polymer science and engineering, or materials science and engineering completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in the field of materials chemistry
• Proven familiarity with employing characterization methods for inorganic and polymeric materials
• Experience in polymer composite fabrication and testing
• Showcase expertise in conducting structural tests on composites at various length scales.
• Strong background in thermophysical characterization tools, including techniques such as TGA, DMA, DSC, among others, and proficiency in electromechanical characterization and various microscopy.
• Proven track record of impactful and innovative research showcased through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Exceptional proficiency in written and oral communication, with the capability to effectively convey information in English to a global scientific audience.
• Highly motivated and safety oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a sense of autonomy while also contributing creatively to a collaborative team environment.
• Engage effectively in collaborative research, demonstrating the ability to interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] 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

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.

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

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.