Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Reactor Core Materials Characterization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to aid research staff in understanding the synergistic effects of various degradation phenomena of nuclear reactor fuel cladding and core internal materials. This position is within the Fuel Cladding and Core Internals (FCCI) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate. The FCCI Group focuses on modern materials science to design, develop, optimize, and test advanced materials for higher performance nuclear energy systems. The role involves assessing the viability of accelerated irradiation and subsized mechanical testing methodologies on highly irradiated materials to establish performance envelopes for advanced reactor materials. The position will leverage instrumentation and expertise from the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis Laboratory (LAMDA) and encourage collaboration across the laboratory to foster innovation. Success will be measured by scientific output, dissemination of results at conferences, and meeting programmatic milestones.

Requirements

• A PhD degree in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills, are required to enable effective interaction with technical peers and program managers.
• Applicants must have completed all degree requirements prior to position start.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with specimen preparation using standard metallography and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, and TEM is strongly preferred.
• Experience with radiation effects in metals and alloys, with a particular focus on deformation mechanisms, damage-rate, helium effects, and/or stress effects in materials.
• Familiarity with subsized specimen mechanical testing/property analysis.
• Experience with the design of experiments for the collection of in-situ mechanical testing data.
• Knowledge of scientific software in python (numpy, scipy, pandas) or related data analysis suite.
• Record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Utilize techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructural characterization of materials.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to the post-irradiation performance of novel materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation mechanical property data.
• Perform characterization activities within a radiological laboratory.
• Participate in the development of new ideas and projects.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific outcomes in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of experimentalists, computational scientists, and engineers conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory’s missions.
• 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.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree