Postdoctoral Research Associate - Powder Diffraction Group

Requisition Id 12679 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Diffraction group in the Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in synthesis, processing, and investigation of structure-property relationships of sustainable piezoelectric materials using neutron powder diffraction guided by density functional theory calculations. In this position, you will be expected to contribute to the development of methodology for improving the piezoelectric performance of polycrystalline ceramics using texture engineering approach, studying structure-property relationships of piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials using neutron powder diffraction, and synthesis of new sustainable functional ceramics guided by density functional calculations in collaboration with computational scientists.

You will join a multi-disciplinary team that is developing the design of sustainable materials for energy applications. As an ORNL postdoctoral fellow you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for synthesis and processing of ceramics, electron microscopy techniques, as well as access to world class facilities for neutron powder diffraction, and density functional theory calculations. The position will allow the postdoctoral scientist to develop expertise, broaden experience and interact with a diverse set of scientists working at ORNL’s neutron, high-performance computing facilities, as well as the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. 

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: 

• Contribute to the development of methodology for improving the piezoelectric performance of polycrystalline ceramics via the texture engineering approach using a Tape Casting Coater.
• Employ methods to understand the structure-property relationships of electroceramics using neutron powder diffraction, and complementary techniques at ORNL.
• Perform synthesis and processing of ceramics identified via theoretical studies.
• Perform ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric measurements of ceramics.
• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.
• Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand and eye protection gear, kneeling, sitting for extended periods of time, working with sample environment equipment, and possible exposure to ionization radiation normally associated with operation of neutron scattering instruments for scientific research.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• The Spallation Neutron Source facility is in operation 24 hours per day and 7 days a week year-round. Some experiment-based efforts may occasionally require work at off hours or weekends.

• 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 PhD in chemistry, materials science/engineering, physics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in processing of textured ceramics using the tape casting technique.
• Experience in powder X-ray/neutron diffraction, and structural characterization using the Rietveld technique.
• Experience in synthesis of ceramics using solid-state, molten salt flux, and/or hydrothermal methods.
• Experience in processing of ceramics into pellets by sintering.
• Experience in measuring ferroelectric, piezoelectric and dielectric properties.
• 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

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. Please also submit a recent CV/resume as well as a cover letter with application. 

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.