Postdoctoral Plasma-Facing Component Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plasma Facing Components & Engineering (PFCE) Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral candidate to assess advanced, high-power plasma-facing components in support of operations, upgrades, and development of the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) target and target assembly system. MPEX is a linear plasma device under construction at ORNL that will support fusion reactor–relevant material science, particularly plasma-material interaction research. It is designed to deliver steady-state plasmas to targets at heat fluxes of 10 MW/m² and particle fluences of 10³¹ m⁻² for up to two weeks.

The scientist will apply analysis methods and design principles used to deploy plasma-facing components in the divertor region of tokamak-style fusion reactors. This work will contribute to predictive characterization and lifetime assessments of similar components. The position is in the Diagnostics and Control Group of the PFCE Division, which conducts experiment-based research and development supporting ORNL’s Fusion and Fission Energy Science Directorate and the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program.

The appointment is temporary for up to 24 months, with potential extension subject to performance and funding availability. Employment requires meeting ORNL access and credentialing requirements, including a favorable background investigation or, where applicable, a favorable Local Site Specific Only risk determination.

Requirements

• PhD in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years or expected by June 30, 2027.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using finite element analysis (FEA) software or equivalent, particularly for advanced systems such as fusion plasma-facing components.
• Experience with experimental devices supporting fusion energy development, particularly measurement techniques for plasma-facing component characterization.
• Ability to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve the MPEX sample-holder/target assembly station in support of its scientific mission goals.
• Develop methods to understand and eventually predict the performance of MPEX sample-holders and targets under loading conditions.
• Provide science and engineering direction for MPEX target design and manufacturing.
• Develop and perform failure analysis of the MPEX target assembly.
• Participate in and/or lead target exposures during MPEX operations.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of fusion energy research scientists and engineers to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Create high-impact research results for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at professional conferences.
• Maintain commitment to ORNL values and ethics, and align behavior, priorities, and interactions with the values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Benefits

• Medical and retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• 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
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

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