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R&D Associate - Alloy and Process Design for Powder Metallurgy

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
May 27, 2026

Requisition Id16476

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Associate who is a highly motivated individual to dedicate alloy design, characterization, and evaluation studies in the field of powder metallurgy. The candidate is expected to join the research team focusing on designing alloys through mechanical alloying and experimentally investigating microstructure-property-process relationships in metal-based structural materials or components made through powder metallurgy. The candidate is also responsible for deriving next generation powder metallurgy technology development led through alloy and process design approaches. The candidate will have interest and experience in one or more topics listed below:

  1. Phase equilibrium (and non-equilibrium) and microstructure evolution in various alloy systems related to multi-phase containing metal-based structural materials
  2. Alloy and process design to produce metal-based structural materials through mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy
  3. Deformation mechanisms of metal-based structural materials at ambient/elevated temperatures
  4. Property evaluation in tensile, toughness, fatigue, creep, or creep-fatigue of metal-based structural materials
  5. Detailed microstructure characterization of multi-phase containing metal-based materials
  6. Design and development of structural materials for extreme environments
  7. Evaluation and characterization of materials consisting of heterogeneous microstructure

This position resides in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group, Materials Structures and Processing Section, Materials Sciences and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will:

  • Perform experimental works including operation and maintenance of metal powder attritors in the group lab-spaces for mechanical alloying process in house
  • Perform material property evaluation correlating with alloys, process parameter, and microstructure for a fundamental description in materials made through powder metallurgy
  • Work with a diverse team of experts in modeling, processing, property measurement, alloy design, environmental compatibility, and other relevant areas to advance science-based understanding of metal-based structural materials
  • Lead or co-lead research teams to characterize the mechanical response of materials produced through powder metallurgy, and investigate the effect of microstructure and alloying additions on deformation mechanism
  • Produce high impact publications and conference presentations in the field of metal-based structural materials correlated with powder metallurgy
  • Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
  • 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 Physical Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience, post PhD, in the scientific fields of powder metallurgy and mechanical alloying.
  • Experience in metal-based structural materials related research with experimental, theoretical, and characterization components
  • Strong background in material deformation mechanisms and evaluation methodology of mechanical properties

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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:

Letters of Recommendation: 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.

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

  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Q clearance:This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.

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