Mechanical Behavior of Materials - R&D Associate

Requisition Id 12901 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking an outstanding Associate R&D Staff Member who will specialize in the microscopic and mechanistic analyses of deformation and fracture behavior in irradiated and non-irradiated ceramic and metallic materials. This position will be allocated in the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) of the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

With a long history spanning several decades, the REMAG has maintained a distinguished reputation as a leading research group in the field of Radiation Effects in Materials Science. This newly available position offers an opportunity for the incumbent to enhance their comprehension of nano-to-mesoscale mechanical phenomena in conventional and advanced radiation-resistant structural materials and functional materials for nuclear energy systems. Access to ORNL's unique facilities, such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory, and Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) Facility, will facilitate the incumbent to expand his or her scientific capability.

 

Reactor core structural materials, crucial for both current and future nuclear energy systems, must endure extreme conditions, including fast neutron flux, high temperature, elevated nuclear transmutation reaction rates, and corrosive coolant, leading to significant degradation of their physical and mechanical properties. The primary focus of research for the incumbent will be on testing and evaluating these degraded materials following prolonged exposure to such challenging environments. This position involves conducting research to characterize and assess the degraded properties of ceramics and metals, comprehend the mechanisms underlying these degraded properties, and explore avenues for damage mitigation. Successful execution of research tasks will necessitate employing multiscale experimental approaches, including macroscopic mechanical testing in various loading modes, in-situ mechanical testing in electron microscopes, and microstructural analysis of deformed or fractured polycrystalline materials.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experimental testing and evaluation to assess the mechanical and physical behaviors of ceramic and metallic materials both pre and post neutron irradiation.

• Perform microstructural and mechanistic analyses on both irradiated and non-irradiated alloys utilizing scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy techniques.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.

• Present and report research findings, ensuring timely publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed journals.

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (Materials), or a related field

• A minimum 2 years of experience in experimental research on mechanical behavior of ceramic or metallic materials

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum 3 years of experience in experimental research on mechanical behavior of ceramic or metallic materials.

• Design and execute experimental testing and evaluation to assess the mechanical and physical behaviors of ceramic and metallic materials both pre and post neutron irradiation.

• Perform microstructural and mechanistic analyses on both irradiated and non-irradiated alloys utilizing scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy techniques.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.

• Present and report research findings, ensuring timely publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed journals.

• Ensure adherence to environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements throughout research activities.

• Uphold a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics within all aspects of work.

 

 Special Requirements

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• Submission of three letters of reference is mandatory and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@orn