Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 12 hours ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Experimental and Computational Research on Nuclear Materials
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry LevelOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to investigate the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of irradiated metals and ceramics. The selected candidates will conduct research using advanced experimental and computational methods to advance mechanistic understanding and predictive capabilities for advanced nuclear materials systems.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Perform experimental research to evaluate the effects of neutron irradiation on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of nuclear ceramics, composites, structural alloys, and related materials
Conduct detailed microstructural and defect characterization of irradiated materials using advanced techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, and related methods
Analyze experimental data to determine mechanisms of irradiation-induced and thermally induced damage and to establish microstructure–property relationships
Develop and execute atomistic and mesoscale simulations to predict deformation, anisotropy evolution, defect behavior, and materials performance under irradiation, thermal, and mechanical loading
Plan and perform thermophysical property measurements and integrate measurement results with modeling predictions through model–experiment validation workflows
Develop and implement advanced data analysis methodologies, automated processing tools, and reproducible workflows to generate validated, publication-quality datasets, analyses, and visualizations
Communicate research results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with internal ORNL teams and external partners, including contributions to proposals and project development
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 Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
Demonstrated experience with advanced materials characterization equipment and/or atomistic simulation tools
Preferred
Experience with multiple advanced materials characterization techniques, including complex mechanical testing, thermophysical property measurements, high-resolution microscopy, and in situ neutron or X-ray scattering and tomography methods
Strong background in computational and image-processing software, scientific programming, and high-performance computing environments
Knowledge of materials behavior in extreme environments (e.g., high temperature, irradiation, corrosion, and mechanical stress) and familiarity with multiscale and continuum modeling approaches
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations, or strong evidence of publication potential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and within interdisciplinary, collaborative research teams, including mentoring students, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and adapting to evolving research and programmatic needs
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
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Benefits
Medical and retirement plans
Flexible work hours
On-site fitness
Banking
Cafeteria facilities
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
Division Director, National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brett Ellis
Division Director - Research Computing Support
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