Postdoctoral Research Associate -Thin Film Synthesis and Characterization of Quantum Materials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

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About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will synthesize quantum materials and investigate their novel properties. The position is part of the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The work is highly collaborative and conducted in a fast-paced research environment.

The associate will synthesize thin-film materials by molecular beam epitaxy and characterize their electronic, magnetic, and structural properties. Relevant characterization methods include electronic transport, X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, scanning probe microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, and neutron reflectometry. The role also involves leading user proposals for access to Department of Energy-funded user facilities and disseminating research results through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

The associate must comply with environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements and uphold ORNL’s values and ethics. The position supports ORNL’s mission through impact, integrity, teamwork, safety, and service, while promoting equal opportunity and a respectful workplace.

The appointment is for up to 24 months, with potential for extension depending on performance and funding. Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. requirements before starting and must have received their Ph.D. no more than five years before applying. The position requires obtaining and maintaining an HSPD-12 PIV badge, subject to applicable federal background and access requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in condensed matter physics, materials science, or a closely related science discipline, completed within the last five years.
• Must complete all degree requirements before the appointment begins.
• Background in epitaxial thin-film synthesis, ultrahigh-vacuum techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission, or cryogenic transport and magnetometry measurements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and satisfy applicable federal background and access requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Strong record of productive and creative research, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at major conferences.
• Familiarity with numerical data analysis and customization of control software such as Python or LabVIEW.
• Knowledge of AI/ML methods for science.
• Experience using PPMS, XRD, dilution refrigerators, SQUID, XPS, scanning probes, soft X-rays, and neutrons.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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 and deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize thin-film materials by molecular beam epitaxy.
• Characterize electronic, magnetic, and structural properties using relevant methods such as transport measurements, X-ray diffraction, magnetometry, scanning probe microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, and neutron reflectometry.
• Lead user proposals to gain access to DOE-funded user facilities.
• Disseminate scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Comply with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to ORNL’s values and ethics.
• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to maintain scientific productivity.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity and foster 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
• 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