Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogen Interaction with Fusion Materials

Requisition Id 14437 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associates who will conduct research in the field of materials science, focusing on the effects of radiation damage on the microstructure and properties of materials, as well as material-hydrogen interactions in a fusion reactor environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding of radiation damage in metals and will be responsible for characterizing radioactive materials. The role involves collecting post-irradiation characterization data, analyzing and interpreting results, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

 

This position is located within the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) of the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). With a distinguished history spanning several decades, REMAG is recognized as a leading research group in Radiation Effects in Materials Science. This newly available position offers an opportunity for the incumbent to deepen their understanding of multiscale mechanical phenomena in conventional and advanced radiation-resistant structural 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 enable the incumbent to expand their scientific capabilities. The selected individual will primarily conduct research on irradiated materials at the IMET and LAMDA facilities.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Perform experimental research to understand the effects of neutron irradiation on key properties of structural materials and plasma facing materials.
• Perform hydrogen retention and permeation tests on radioactive materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural examinations of neutron-irradiated materials using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damages and their impact on mechanical and physical properties.
• Maintain and upgrade vacuum system and capability.
• Present and report research findings, ensuring timely publication of scientific results in the peer-reviewed journals. Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

• 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 and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (with a focus on Materials), or a closely related field completed within the last five years or that will be completed by the end of 2025.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research in materials science and engineering.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with microstructure characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Strong background in post-irradiation examination of irradiated materials.
• Demonstrated ability to characterize interfaces (e.g., precipitate interfaces, grain boundaries).
• Experience in correlating microstructure with material properties, such as mechanical properties or hydrogen trapping behavior.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum system maintenance and experimental capability development.
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data to understand the mechanisms of irradiation-induced damage and their impacts on mechanical and physical properties.
• Excellent written and oral commun