Postdoctoral Research Associate- Shear Strength of Ceramics

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Ceramics and Ceramics Composites (CCC) Group within the Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This role will focus on ORNL's continued development of methods to quantify the shear (yield) strength of monolithic ceramic materials as a function of temperature. The associate will use and help refine techniques developed at ORNL that estimate shear strength based on the brittle-to-ductile transition, hot hardness testing, and spherical indentation. Additionally, the role involves developing/refining finite element and numerical analysis models to portray shear strength response as a function of temperature and to reconcile various experimentally measured responses.

Requirements

• PhD in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience in ceramics and brittle materials, experimental contact mechanics, and microstructural characterization
• Immediate eligibility to obtain and maintain DOE Q-Clearance
• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with brittle materials
• Experience with experimental contact testing including indentation/hardness testing
• Experience with contact damage mechanics and mechanisms
• Experience with material microstructure and its characterization
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical analysis techniques
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• 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

• Hot hardness testing and postmortem
• Spherical indentation and postmortem
• Estimate critical particle size associated with the brittle-to-ductile transition
• Assist with developing additional concepts and tests to estimate shear strength
• Develop model(s) to correlate to experimentally observed responses
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results 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
• 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

• 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
• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities

What This Job Offers

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