R&D Associate Staff Member - Materials Characterization

Requisition Id 15132 

 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for multiple potential openings for Materials Scientists with expertise in advanced materials characterization. These positions reside in various groups across the Laboratory, including the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS). We seek innovative and driven scientists to lead multidisciplinary research efforts and novel studies that connect materials structure, composition, and processing to performance.

 

As an R&D Associate Staff Member, you will contribute to ORNL’s mission by conducting research for cutting-edge characterization techniques such as atom probe tomography (APT), electron microscopy, X-ray and neutron scattering, surface analysis, or other advanced methods. You will work collaboratively with internal ORNL teams and external users to develop new techniques and expand applications into emerging material systems.

 

This is an evergreen position.  We are continually reviewing applications to fill potential openings as they arise. Apply today to be part of our dynamic environment!

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced materials characterization research using state-of-the-art techniques, including but not limited to APT, TEM/STEM, SEM, FIB, X-ray/neutron scattering, or spectroscopy.
• Contribute to the operation and development of instrumentation facilities and user capabilities.
• Design and execute experimental studies to understand microstructure–property relationships in metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, catalysts, oxides, and/or hybrid materials.
• Explore new scientific frontiers in materials such as solid-liquid interfaces, soft matter, quantum materials, or functional heterostructures.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with external users and stakeholders to develop impactful research programs.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic program growth.
• Promote a culture of safety, integrity, and scientific excellence.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field with a concentration in materials characterization.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more techniques: atom probe tomography (APT), focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), or related.
• Hands-on experience with data acquisition and processing software (e.g., IVAS, Digital Micrograph, Python, MATLAB).
• Track record of publications and/or technical presentations.
• Experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments.
• Exposure to sample environments for in situ/operando characterization or non-traditional material systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic team environment.

 

Special Requirements:

• Export Control: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

 

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 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 solu