Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic/Polymer Chemist for Advanced Fibers

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • KNOXVILLE, TN

79d • Onsite

About The Position

Our team is looking for a driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support our advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives. This role involves conducting research on both scaling up and developing precursor chemistries for advanced fiber production, as well as advancing fiber technologies for composite systems. The successful candidate will manage several projects concurrently, help shape new research directions within their field, and collaborate closely with ORNL staff, industry professionals, and academic partners. Based within the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this position provides an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of materials innovation and play a key role in driving forward significant advances in fiber technologies.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years.
• Strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a technical STEM field with a focus on polymers or materials science.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and structure-property relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, EDS, XRD, Rheology, SEM, and optical microscopy.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers.
• 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

• Developing cutting-edge polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications—including Carbon Fiber, Rayon fibers, Silicon Carbide fiber, and Silicon Nitride fiber.
• Synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of polymers to maximize material performance.
• Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to scale up manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data to drive product innovation.
• Obtaining and calibrating simulation parameters based on laboratory results.
• Establishing and managing research collaborations and projects with industry partners.
• Presenting and reporting research results promptly.
• Publishing scientific work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Sharing findings at scientific conferences.
• Supporting collective team goals and working harmoniously with colleagues.
• Maintaining rigorous compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Upholding values and ethics, ensuring the integrity and excellence of ongoing research and development efforts.
• Delivering ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promoting equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Benefits

• Medical and retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• 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