Postdoc - Residual Stress Characterization in Advanced Manufacturing by Neutron Diffraction

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

6d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct residual stress characterization resulting from advanced manufacturing processes using engineering diffraction. The position is in the Engineering Diffraction Group within the Engineering Diffraction and Imaging Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The candidate will work collaboratively with teams in the Neutron Sciences Directorate, the Physical Sciences Directorate, and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, using neutron diffraction to characterize residual stress in additively manufactured and joined materials.

Research will use neutron diffraction to measure residual strain and stress in additively manufactured and joined alloys, relating measurements to processing conditions, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Findings will support development and validation of advanced manufacturing process models. The researcher will contribute to collaborative projects and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

The appointment may last up to 24 months, with potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions depend on performance and funding availability. Applicants must have completed their PhD within the five years preceding application and complete all degree requirements before beginning the appointment. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and associated favorable background determination.

Requirements

• PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field, completed within the last five years.
• Research experience with advanced manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing, welding, or other materials joining processes.
• Proficiency in materials data analytics, including correlation analysis and machine learning techniques.
• Must complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and satisfy applicable federal background and site-access requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with microstructure characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, TEM, and XRD.
• Experience measuring residual stress using neutron or synchrotron diffraction, or complementary methods such as the contour method or hole drilling.
• Background in engineering alloys used in additive manufacturing and joining, such as steels, nickel-based superalloys, titanium alloys, or aluminum alloys.
• Familiarity with diffraction and data analysis tools such as GSAS, GSAS-II, PyRS, VDRIVE, and Mantid.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing or welding processes, such as laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, fusion welding, or friction stir welding.
• Knowledge of residual stress development during processing, including thermal gradients, phase transformations, and elastic and plastic anisotropy.
• Experience with finite element modeling of residual stress or thermal-mechanical processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct residual stress measurements using the HIDRA neutron diffractometer at HFIR.
• Characterize residual stress in additively manufactured components and materials made using advanced joining methods.
• Relate residual stress to processing parameters, including build strategy, heat input, and post-process heat treatment.
• Perform microstructure characterization using SEM, EBSD, XRD, and related techniques.
• Apply analytical and modeling approaches to interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams to define and advance research directions.
• Work with HIDRA users who share research interests on experiment planning and data analysis.
• Present research findings and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL's core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote a respectful workplace and equal opportunity.

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
• Employee discounts
• Relocation assistance for certain positions

What This Job Offers

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