R&D Associate - Decarbonization of Polymer Products

Requisition Id 9497 

Overview: 

We are seeking a R&D Associate to support our research efforts in the synthesis, processing and characterization of new sustainable polymers, adhesives, and organic/inorganic hybrid materials.  The research will focus on decarbonization of lightweight materials synthesis and processing.  This position resides in the Carbon and Composites Group in the Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Phsyical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

The Carbon and Composites Group advances the science and technology base for manufacturing of polymeric materials and composite products by conducting innovative research and development for a broad spectrum of programs. As part of our research team, you will be tasked with designing multiphase polymers and composites for enhanced performance and their energy efficient processing. You will be responsible for experimental synthesis of polymeric materials using reactive extrusion processes followed by characterization using rheology, spectroscopic tools IR and NMR, and structural analysis by x-ray scattering methods. It is expected that you be independently capable of developing composite materials from the multiphase polymers by interfacial tailoring of matrix and reinforcing fibers and have the knowledge to characterize the structure and properties.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct synthesis and characterization of new polymers and chemical modification of polymeric materials
• Establish structure-property-processability relationships
• Develop methods to modify the interface of polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers
• 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 NMR, GPC, thermal and mechanical analysis, light, x-ray and neutron scattering, microscopy, rheology, optical spectroscopy, and data analysis
• Work in a collaborative team environment and regularly interact with senior scientists, program managers, group members, and industrial partners
• Present and report research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner, after intellectual property has been protected 
• Work with team members on the development of new ideas and proposal for future funding
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Polymer Science and Engineering, Polymer Physics, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or closely related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a postdoctoral research environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in multiphase polymer synthesis, processing and characterization
• Experience in monitoring interfacial activity of additives in multiphase systems
• Expertise is structural characterization of materials and analysis of x-ray scattering data
• Experience in the processing of polymers (extruding, spinning, molding etc.)
• Expertise in thermal analysis and mechanical testing of polymers and polymer composites
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated and safety conscious
• Ability to work independently and an ability to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks in a limited amount of time and to independently set priorities to accomplish numerous tasks to meet deadlines.

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.