Material Characterization Post Doctorate

GE Vernova • Niskayuna, NY

6d • $89,300 - $148,700 • Onsite

About The Position

GE Vernova's Advanced Research Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Materials, Coatings and Modeling team. The successful candidate will lead advanced microstructural characterization, metallography, and critical minerals research supporting next-generation technologies across power generation, electrification, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. This role will focus on developing structure-property-processing relationships through advanced microscopy and analytical characterization techniques. The researcher will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of materials scientists, engineers, and data scientists to accelerate the development of advanced materials for energy applications.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mineral Processing, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 2+ years of experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and metallography.
• 2+ years of experience Electron probe microanalysis.

Nice To Haves

• Strong experimental design and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and research excellence.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience with critical minerals, rare earth elements, battery materials, or strategic materials processing.
• Experience with focused ion beam (FIB) sample preparation.
• Experience with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization.
• Knowledge of corrosion, coatings, extractive metallurgy, powder processing, or recycling technologies.
• Experience using image analysis and data science tools such as Python, MATLAB, ImageJ, or machine learning methods.
• SEM imaging and analytical microscopy
• EDS elemental mapping and quantification
• EBSD crystallographic characterization
• Quantitative metallography
• Sample mounting, sectioning, grinding, polishing, and etching
• Critical minerals characterization
• Materials processing and development
• Data analytics and image processing

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced characterization of metallic, ceramic, and composite materials using: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Optical Microscopy, Image Analysis and Quantitative Metallography
• Develop and optimize metallographic preparation procedures for challenging materials systems.
• Conduct microstructural analysis of critical minerals, alloys, coatings, and advanced energy materials.
• Perform quantitative measurements of grain size, phase distribution, texture, porosity, inclusions, and degradation mechanisms.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Correlate microstructure with material performance and processing conditions.
• Design and execute experimental studies related to critical material processing, extraction technologies, recycling, and resource recovery.
• Collaborate with internal research teams, universities, national laboratories, and government-funded programs.
• Generate technical reports, publications, invention disclosures, and conference presentations.
• Contribute to proposal development for internally and externally funded research programs.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• prescription drug coverage
• Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
• access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• paid parental leave
• disability benefits
• life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• permissive time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree