Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neutron Scattering Division

Requisition Id 9170 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates to perform cutting-edge research benefitting from the neutron scattering capabilities of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).  The neutron science programs at both facilities are operated by the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.  The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) are world-leading facilities and the scientific center of a diverse, international, and inclusive neutron scattering community. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will be a member of a team of neutron scattering scientists, computational scientists, engineers, enterprise software developers, and machine learning experts at both neutron research facilities.

We are seeking applications that focus upon any of the techniques or scientific areas being examined using the instruments within the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) at ORNL.  World class instrument suites available in the NSD include Neutron Diffraction, Neutron Spectroscopy, and instrumentation for measuring Large Scale Structures.

Scientific areas of interest include but are not limited to (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/science):

• Biological sciences including the subfields of biocatalysts, protein ligand interactions, supramolecular structure and/or dynamics, lipid and membrane systems, multi-component complexes, and plants and microbial systems.
• The use of advanced computational techniques coupled with neutron scattering techniques to answer cutting edge science questions.
• Research in Chemistry, Geochemistry and environmental chemistry addressing pertinent science questions relevant to energy economy, carbon cycle, catalysis, and compounds by investigating structures and kinetics, which are essential for understanding material functions and processes.
• High Pressure Science in areas where high pressure neutron scattering can provide unique insight to answer cutting-edge scientific questions.
• Materials & engineering using neutron scattering techniques with a focus on accelerating advanced alloys design for extreme engineering applications, nuclear materials and radiation effects, and materials response during advanced manufacturing/processing.
• Quantum materials research including examination of systems such as quantum spin liquids, topological materials, superconductors, quantum critical systems, quantum magnets, multiferroics and systems with coupled degrees of freedom (lattice, electronic, spin, orbital).
• Soft condensed matter research using neutron scattering techniques and combined tools with an emphasis on studies of polymeric materials to improve energy/power density and safety for energy storage applications, to improve efficiency for energy conversion, gas separation, capture and storage, water purification, and to provide fundamental understanding of depolymerization and upgrading of waste plastics.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Pursue high-quality research using neutron scattering, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.
• Champion neutron sciences within the ORNL community and among national and international peers.
• Participate in an inclusive work environment for a diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, computational sciences, biology, applied physics, engineering or a related field.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
• This position requires that you successfully complete required training, including radiological training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Please include a discussion of your research interests and how neutron scattering can support your plan for research during your time at ORNL in your cover letter with your 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

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.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.