Postdoctoral Research Associate- Hardware Developer for Advanced Microscopy

Requisition Id 14891 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate that will focus on elevating scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) efforts within the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) through hardware developments. As a postdoc, you will be expected to design and build custom hardware solutions focused on integrating electrical and optical measurements with microscopy, novel capabilities for sample preparation and transfer in extreme environments, enabling compatibility between instruments, and creating and testing unique experimental capabilities. Additionally, you are expected to work alongside staff scientists, CNMS postdocs, and CNMS users to rapidly iterate new concepts that will enhance existing workflows.

 

The CNMS possesses world leading characterization facilities for both STEM and SPM, where the focus is on conducting cutting-edge experiments across a diverse range of fields. Therefore, you should possess a strong general scientific and experimental background that spans materials science, physics, and chemistry to understand the goals of these experiments to produce creative custom solutions. Since your focus will be on the development of hardware, you are also expected to participate in the overall research process.  

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement custom hardware solutions to enable new capabilities in microscopy platforms for the CNMS research and user communities.
• Work with ORNL’s 3D printing and machining facilities to ensure the design and fabrication of high-quality, reliable assets.
• Collaborate extensively with researchers across the CNMS to identify new opportunities to improve capabilities and compatibility between multiple experimental platforms and workflows.
• Contribute to the timely publication of results.
• 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/engineering, physics, applied physics, engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Research background in S/TEM or SPM.
• Strong proficiency in mechanical design and computer aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hardware production methodologies such as 3D-printing, and working with machine shops to fabricate designs.
• Experience with basic design and fabrication of electronic circuits.
• Experience with sample transfer for air/temperature sensitive materials.
• Proven history of taking concepts from idea to design to production.

• 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.

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Depar