Leidos · 3 weeks ago
Materials Characterization Research Scientist
Albany, OR
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $105K/yr
2+ years expLeidos is seeking an experienced Materials Characterization Research Scientist interested in pursuing their passion by working side-by-side with world-class scientists and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment to support applied research at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. The role involves independently planning and conducting materials characterization studies and developing new analytical methodologies.
ComputerGovernmentInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyNational SecuritySoftware
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead Advanced Materials Characterization: Conduct comprehensive characterization and analysis of metallic alloys, composites, carbonaceous materials, and geological samples using techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and thermal analysis (e.g., TGA, LFA, Dilatometry, DSC, DTA) to determine phase composition, crystallinity, elemental composition, structural details, thermal stability, and phase transition behavior
Develop and Optimize Analytical Methodologies: Design, validate, and implement novel and robust analytical methods, including specialized sample preparation, sophisticated data acquisition protocols, and advanced matrix correction strategies
Perform Expert Data Processing and Interpretation: Conduct in-depth analysis of complex diffraction patterns and other analytical data using specialized software, including Rietveld refinement and quantitative phase analysis
Ensure Analytical Quality and Integrity: Establish and enforce rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols, including method validation, interlaboratory comparisons, and the use of certified reference materials
Manage Instrument Operations and Safety: Oversee the expert operation, proactive troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of X-ray and thermal analysis instrumentation, strictly adhering to all radiation safety protocols
Collaborate and Disseminate Research Findings: Partner with multidisciplinary research teams to develop comprehensive characterization plans, translate complex analytical data into actionable insights through detailed reports and presentations, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
Contribute to Cross-Functional Expertise: Engage in cross-training to develop and apply expertise in complementary characterization techniques (e.g., Scanning Electron Microscopy), enhancing overall analytical capabilities
Organization and Management: Balance competing priorities from multiple project and analytical requests while maintaining stringent QA/QC, instrument operation, and safety standards
Commitment to Excellence: Attention to detail to ensure completed work, such as analytical reports, method documentation, and research publications are technically sound, accurate, and effective in meeting project objectives
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 2+ years of applicable experience
Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus
U.S. Citizen
Proven expertise in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, including phase identification, Rietveld refinement, and crystallographic interpretation demonstrated through publication record
Demonstrated experience with XRF spectroscopy for elemental analysis and quantitative composition determination
Extensive hands-on experience with a range of thermal analysis techniques, including LFA, dilatometry, and STA (including DSC, TGA, DTA) for materials characterization
Experience identifying and troubleshooting instrument performance issues for X-ray and thermal analysis equipment
Strong understanding of crystallography, solid-state chemistry, and materials science principles
Experience in reporting characterization results and uncertainty analysis to technical audiences
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple research projects in a fast-paced laboratory environment
Demonstrated experience in method development and optimization for materials characterization
Experience following and developing quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes and standard operating procedures
Proven track record of collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and serving as a technical resource
Preferred
PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Experience with complementary characterization techniques such as SEM/EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and NMR
Demonstrated experience with in-situ/operando characterization techniques for dynamic materials analysis
Experience analyzing metallic alloys or geological samples
Knowledge of machine learning approaches for materials data analysis and pattern recognition
Experience in an ISO laboratory environment or with laboratory accreditation standards
Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals demonstrating materials characterization expertise
Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical and general audiences
Company
Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2025-02-20Post Ipo Debt
2013-09-17IPO
Leadership Team
James Carlini
Chief Technology Officer
Theodore Tanner
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
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2025-12-16
2025-12-16
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