Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neutron Scattering Division

Requisition Id 9170 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

 

We are seeking multiple Postdoctoral Research Associates to perform cutting-edge research benefitting from the neutron scattering capabilities of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).  The neutron science programs at both facilities are operated by the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/)

 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.  The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) are world-leading facilities and the scientific center of a diverse, international, and inclusive neutron scattering community. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will be a member of a team of neutron scattering scientists, computational scientists, engineers, enterprise software developers, and machine learning experts at both neutron research facilities.

 

We are seeking applications that focus upon any of the techniques or scientific areas being examined using the instruments within the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) at ORNL.  World class instrument suites available in the NSD include Neutron Diffraction, Neutron Spectroscopy, and instrumentation for measuring Large Scale Structures.

 

Scientific areas of interest include but are not limited to (https://neutrons.ornl.gov/science):

 

• Biological sciences including the subfields of biocatalysts, protein ligand interactions, supramolecular structure and/or dynamics, lipid and membrane systems, multi-component complexes, and plants and microbial systems.
• The use of advanced computational techniques coupled with neutron scattering techniques to answer cutting edge science questions.
• Research in Chemistry, Geochemistry and environmental chemistry addressing pertinent science questions relevant to energy economy, carbon cycle, catalysis, and compounds by investigating structures and kinetics, which are essential for understanding material functions and processes.
• High Pressure Science in areas where high pressure neutron scattering can provide unique insight to answer cutting-edge scientific questions.
• Materials & engineering using neutron scattering techniques with a focus on accelerating advanced alloys design for extreme engineering applications, nuclear materials and radiation effects, and materials response during advanced manufacturing/processing.
• Quantum materials research including examination of systems such as quantum spin liquids, topological materials, superconductors, quantum critical systems, quantum magnets, multiferroics and systems with coupled degrees of freedom (lattice, electronic, spin, orbital).
• Soft condensed matter research using neutron scattering techniques and combined tools with an emphasis on studies of polymeric materials to improve energy/power density and safety for energy storage applications, to improve efficiency for energy conversion, gas separation, capture and storage, water purification, and to provide fundamental understanding of depolymerization and upgrading of waste plastics.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Pursue high-quality research using neutron scattering, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.
• Champion neutron sciences within the ORNL community and among national and international peers.
• Participate in an inclusive work environment for a diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, computational sciences, biology, applied physics, engineering or a related field.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.
• This position requires that you successfully complete required training, including radiological training.