Computational Instrument Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Computational Instrument Scientist who will focus on developing software analysis tools for the powder diffraction instruments. This position resides in the Powder Diffraction Group in the Diffraction Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Applications are sought from highly creative and motivated individuals with demonstrated skills/experience in method development who will join the interdisciplinary team of instrument scientists that support the HB-2A MIDAS and HB-2C WAND2 instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the BL-1B NOMAD and BL-11A POWGEN instruments at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Additional information and specifications for these instruments may be found on the following ORNL Neutron Sciences website: https://neutrons.ornl.gov/suites/diffraction As part of our research team, you will emphasize developing software analysis tools for multi-dimensional data analysis, real-time data visualization, modelling for disordered systems, or improved automation, that are applicable across the instruments in the suite. As part of your career, you will have opportunities to use other neutron scattering instruments at SNS and HFIR to pursue your scientific interests.

Requirements

A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field.
Two or more years of research experience beyond your PhD (applicants with additional years of experience are encouraged to apply, and we will hire commensurate with years of experience).
Demonstrated track record of scientific software development.

Nice To Haves

Experience with diffraction for materials analysis using either x-rays or neutrons.
Experience developing diffraction software and/or reverse Monte Carlo software.
Previous beamline support experience in a neutron or synchrotron x-ray user facility.
Experience collaborating with technical and scientific professionals, including support staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research scientists in academia and industry.

Responsibilities

Communicate and refine data reduction, analysis and modeling software product requirements to transition new developments into sustainable products for the user community.
Develop documentation and tutorials for data acquisition, reduction and analysis for users.
Participate in instrument upgrade projects with a focus on software developments, particularly for data reduction, analysis and modeling.
Triage and prioritize issues and bugs reported by users.
Communicate software development activities to the instrument teams in the suite.
Serving as an integral member of the instrument team.
Attracting users from new areas of research, especially related to the topics of your own research efforts, to expand the user community and the impact of neutron scattering.
Assisting in the development of beam time proposals.
Assisting users with data reduction, analysis and modeling.
Providing support to assigned users as local contact. This includes: Training users to use the instruments. Acting as the go-to person for these users (providing needed information, supporting users with computing needs, identifying how (or who) to address experimental issues). Addressing computing needs during experiments.
Pursue a high-quality personal research program using neutron diffraction, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals.
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.