Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogen Interaction with Fusion Materials

Requisition Id14437

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associates who will conduct research in the field of materials science, focusing on the effects of radiation damage on the microstructure and properties of materials, as well as material-hydrogen interactions in a fusion reactor environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding of radiation damage in metals and will be responsible for characterizing radioactive materials. The role involves collecting post-irradiation characterization data, analyzing and interpreting results, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

This position is located within the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) of the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). With a distinguished history spanning several decades, REMAG is recognized as a leading research group in Radiation Effects in Materials Science. This newly available position offers an opportunity for the incumbent to deepen their understanding of multiscale mechanical phenomena in conventional and advanced radiation-resistant structural and functional materials for nuclear energy systems.

Access to ORNL's unique facilities, such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory, and Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) Facility, will enable the incumbent to expand their scientific capabilities. The selected individual will primarily conduct research on irradiated materials at the IMET and LAMDA facilities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform experimental research to understand the effects of neutron irradiation on key properties of structural materials and plasma facing materials.
• Perform hydrogen retention and permeation tests on radioactive materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural examinations of neutron-irradiated materials using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.
• Maintain and upgrade vacuum system and capability.
• Present and report research findings, ensuring timely publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed journals. 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (with a focus on Materials), or a closely related field completed within the last five years or that will be completed by the end of 2025.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research in materials science and engineering.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with microstructure characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Strong background in post-irradiation examination of irradiated materials.
• Demonstrated ability to characterize interfaces (e.g., precipitate interfaces, grain boundaries).
• Experience in correlating microstructure with material properties, such as mechanical properties or hydrogen trapping behavior.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum system maintenance and experimental capability development.
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damage and their impacts on mechanical and physical properties.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

Postdocs: 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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Letters of Recommendation:

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.

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.

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.