R&D Staff Member - Materials Characterization

Requisition Id15133

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for multiple potential openings for Materials Scientists with expertise in advanced materials characterization. These positions reside in various groups across the Laboratory, including the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). We seek creative and driven scientists to support multidisciplinary research efforts and lead novel studies that connect materials structure, composition, and processing to performance.

Successful candidates will contribute to ORNL's mission through cutting-edge characterization techniques such as atom probe tomography (APT), electron microscopy, X-ray and neutron scattering, surface analysis, or other advanced methods. Candidates will work collaboratively with internal ORNL teams and external users and may also lead efforts to develop new techniques and expand applications into emerging material systems.

This is an evergreen position. We are continually reviewing applications to fill potential openings as they arise. Apply today to be part of our dynamic environment!

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced materials characterization research using state-of-the-art techniques, including but not limited to APT, TEM/STEM, SEM, FIB, X-ray/neutron scattering, or spectroscopy.
• Lead or support operation and development of instrumentation facilities and user capabilities.
• Design and execute experimental studies to understand microstructure-property relationships in metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, catalysts, oxides, and/or hybrid materials.
• Explore new scientific frontiers in materials such as solid-liquid interfaces, soft matter, quantum materials, or functional heterostructures.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with external users and stakeholders to develop impactful research programs.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at scientific meetings.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development and strategic program growth.
• Mentor postdocs and students.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and scientific excellence.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of post-PhD experience in advanced materials characterization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more techniques: atom probe tomography (APT), focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), or related.
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition and processing software (e.g., IVAS, Digital Micrograph, Python, MATLAB).
• Track record of publications and/or technical presentations.
• Experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Exposure to sample environments for in situ/operando characterization or non-traditional material systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic team environment.

Special Requirements:

• Export Control: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov 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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life 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: ORNLRecruiting@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.