Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physical Metallurgy of Lightweight Alloys

Requisition Id 12923 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will perform materials research in the area of aluminum alloy development for cast and additive manufacturing applications. The position will allow significant interaction with researchers with varying background and additional opportunities for professional development. This position resides in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work with multiple other groups within MSTD and Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) on the physical metallurgy of aluminum alloys for automotive (with emphasis on electric vehicle systems) applications. Projects will include application of physical metallurgy principles to contribute to development of sustainable alloys with desirable advances in mechanical, thermal, corrosion and electrical properties. A background in solidification processing, mechanical properties, microstructural analysis, thermal properties, electrical properties, additive manufacturing, and high pressure die casting will be desirable but not necessary. The position will involve significant interaction with a large team within Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as well as external industry partners.

 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Understand the processing-microstructure-property relationships in cast and additive aluminum alloy systems

• Perform the necessary chemistry and processing modifications to meet target alloy properties

• Apply advanced processing, characterization and modeling techniques and make fundamental contributions to the field

• Interact with other researchers, technicians, and students to shape and drive the research agenda

• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements

• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

• Develop strong, productive working relationships across partnering research groups within ORNL

• 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:

• A PhD in materials science and engineering or a related discipline completed within the last five years

• A strong background in physical metallurgy

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in physical metallurgy of aluminum alloys

• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers 

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

• Background in metal powder processing including atomization

• Background in solidification processing, high pressure die casting, and/or additive manufacturing of alloys

• Background in mechanical properties of alloys

• Background in corrosion, electrical or thermal properties of alloys

 

Special Requirements:

• 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 appointm