Postdoctoral Research Associate in Solid-state Actinide Materials

Requisition Id 13001

Overview:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge 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.

The Materials and Chemistry Group (MCG) within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the areas of uranium oxide, oxysalt, and mineral synthesis and characterization. The MCG performs fundamental materials research regarding the interaction of nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) materials with themselves, each other, and the environment via synthesis, characterization, and analysis. Our primary goal is to provide actionable R&D to ongoing national nuclear nonproliferation and forensics missions. We operate in a multidisciplinary environment and work collaboratively with subject matter experts in computational modeling, condensed matter physics, and NFC engineering.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will apply their skills to the study of nuclear materials and their chemical and physical properties. Responsibilities also include collaborating with the National Nuclear Security Administration’s ongoing nonproliferation mission, and leverage ORNL’s world-class neutron scattering capabilities via the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. .

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and apply subject matter expertise in synthetic inorganic modalities.
• Lead experiment design and analytical structural characterization on uranium material samples for forensic signature development.
• Use bench scale and user facility characterization tools including powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, optical vibrational (Raman and infrared) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and neutron scattering techniques.
• Collaboratively engage with subject matter experts in electronic structure modeling, condensed matter physics, and nuclear engineering to perform fundamental and applied materials R&D.
• Perform, prepare, and present scientific research to the professional and sponsor communities; participate in proposal development.
• Regularly report progress and results to collaborators, sponsors, and the broader scientific community via peer-reviewed technical articles, conference presentations, and technical reports.

All team members 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 chemistry, materials science, geosciences, or a related field.
• Experience operating and using material characterization instrumentation.
• A demonstrated record of productive research, includingpublications in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the NFC, nuclear forensics, and/ or actinide material handling.
• Familiarity with Office of Science User Facilities and capabilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

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 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.

Three (3) reference letters are required

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to recruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Q clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.