R&D Associate Staff - Polymer Chemist for Composites - Composites Innovation Group

Requisition Id 14616 

 

PURPOSE: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated R&D Associate Staff Member to drive innovation in polymer-matrix composites, nanocomposites, and fiber-reinforced composites for advanced polymers and composites manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the forefront of materials science, leveraging ORNL’s expertise in manufacturing, materials formulation, multi-scale modeling, and advanced characterization. As a member of the Composites Innovation Group within the Manufacturing Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), you will contribute to research at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), utilizing industry-relevant manufacturing capabilities. Your work will focus on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of advanced materials for applications in hydrogen storage, renewable energy, automotive, and aerospace industries. This position provides the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners, pushing the boundaries of composite materials and manufacturing while supporting ORNL’s mission of scientific discovery and technological advancement.

 

OVERVIEW:  

As a member of our research team, you will play an important role in advancing the science and technology of materials formulation, multi-functional materials for both conventional and advanced composite manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing. Your contributions will extend to the development of innovative techniques for advanced composite and high rate manufacturing processes, ensuring materials meet both performance and scalability requirements. Additionally, you will explore the feasibility of applying scientific principles to the development of novel functional coatings or smart materials, driving innovation in cost-competitive, high-performance solutions. Your expertise in materials science, composite manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and chemical research will be essential to maintaining and enhancing ORNL’s standards of excellence in research and development. This position requires a collaborative mindset, as you will work closely with ORNL staff, industry leaders, and academic partners shape new initiatives, lead multiple projects, and expand the boundaries of composite materials research.

 

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conduct research on chemistry and processing-structure-property relationships to enable the seamless integration of novel materials into advanced manufacturing.
• Lead and manage multifunctional materials projects, driving innovation in high-performance, adaptable material systems.
• Develop recyclable thermosets and vitrimer composites with modular designs tailored for renewable energy applications, enhancing sustainability and performance.
• Formulate and synthesize cutting-edge materials for hydrogen storage solutions, including linerless, lightweight carbon fiber composite pressure vessels with enhanced durability, safety, and efficiency.
• Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing (e.g., UV direct ink writing), reactive and field-induced processing (electric and magnetic field-mediated processes), and hybrid manufacturing to expand material capabilities.
• Optimize fabrication techniques for nanocomposites, ensuring superior filler dispersion, fiber orientation, and microstructural control to maximize material performance.
• Maintain high scientific productivity through collaboration, innovation, and research excellence.
• Engage regularly with senior scientists, academic institutions, and industry partners, contributing to research progress and preparing comprehensive reports on key findings and developments.
• Uphold a strong commitment to scientific integrity, ethics, and ORNL’s core values, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure strict adherence to environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements, promoting a safe and responsible research environment.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Sa