Computational Instrument Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking two Computational Instrument Scientists who will focus on developing software analysis tools for the diffraction instruments. These positions reside in the Powder and the Single Crystal Diffraction Groups 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 diffraction instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). 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
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.