Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 22 hours ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Magnetic Materials
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry LevelOak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance understanding of quantum magnetic materials through materials synthesis and characterization. The role involves collaborative research, leading the writing of research papers, and maintaining lab equipment, while ensuring compliance with safety and quality requirements.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
No H1B
Security Clearance Required
Responsibilities
Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects involving synthesis and characterization of bulk materials to understand structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. This includes identifying candidate materials and developing ideas for tuning them toward interesting ground states and behaviors
Lead the writing of research papers resulting from your work with support from the group and collaborators, and present research results at scientific conferences
Collaborate with researchers outside of our group from diverse backgrounds, within and external to ORNL, including condensed matter theorists and scientists performing device design and fabrication, microscopy, spectroscopy, and neutron scattering
Help maintain lab space and equipment including Quantum Design measurement systems
Work safely and independently within a supportive group setting
Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success
Qualification
Required
PhD in physics, applied physics, material science, chemistry, chemical or electrical engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years
Background in experimental materials physics research, including materials synthesis and laboratory-based characterization of physical properties (magnetic, transport, crystallographic, thermal, optical)
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
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required
Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation
Preferred
Experience with bulk single crystal growth of inorganic materials
Understanding of crystal growth mechanisms and the underlying materials design principles that guide the synthesis of quantum materials
Skilled in characterization and analysis of magnetic and thermal transport properties
Experience operating and maintaining Quantum Design instruments
Familiarity with the health and safety hazards associated with an experimental condensed matter laboratory that houses an extensive synthesis effort
Publication record demonstrating an ability to effectively and efficiently report scientific results
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
Benefits
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
Employee Discounts
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
Founded in 1943
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Director, Compute and Data Environment for Science
Brett Ellis
Group Lead - Business Systems Operations
Recent News
2025-12-13
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