Ceramic Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate

INL • Idaho, ID

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Does a career focused on changing the world's energy future intrigue you? If so, we might have just the opportunity you're looking for! Idaho National Laboratory’s Materials Properties and Performance group is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with Materials Science/Ceramics experience to lead the design, synthesis, advanced microstructure characterization, and properties evaluation of high temperature non-oxide ceramics materials. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the material chemistry-process-microstructure-property-performance paradigm; to utilize advanced testing methodologies to assess material performance; to examine new structural/functional materials designed for advanced reactors and other high temperature harsh environments. The position will allow significant interaction with researchers with varying backgrounds and additional opportunities for professional development. A background/experience in ceramic processing, phase transformation, microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, and thermodynamic calculations is required.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Science, or other related and relevant discipline. PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years of graduation.
• Knowledge of ceramic materials, ceramic processing, sintering, and complex phase diagrams required.
• Understanding of materials performance issues for materials under extreme environments is required.
• Prior publications in high impact journals with microstructure characterization is required.
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• Self-motivated, but also works collaboratively with peers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Fluency in the English language and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the fundamental knowledge and hands-on operation of EBSD, EDS, XRD.
• Understanding of mechanical properties such as tensile, creep, fatigue, and Charpy-V notch toughness.
• Proficient with ThermoCalc.
• Experience with hands on experimental research.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with TEM preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Optimize the processing of newly developed ceramic materials to obtain optimal size distribution and sintering behavior
• Explore novel chemical, thermal, and mechanochemical powder synthesis techniques
• Optimize sintering route and microstructural development using state-of-the-art spark plasma sintering as well as other techniques at the nation’s leading national lab for spark plasma sintering
• Study the microstructure of newly developed materials and environmental degradation of novel materials produced using mechanical (fracture mechanics) as well as other advanced characterization technique
• Conduct research into the underlying mechanisms behind the microstructural evolution and degradation of materials subjected to extreme environments
• Perform thermodynamic modeling to understand effect of compositional and processing condition changes on the equilibrium state of the material systems

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access and ability to self contribute to 401(k)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees