Postdoctoral Research Associate- Automation of Electron Microscopy Workflows

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

19d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop AI-driven automation workflows for aberration-correction scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to accelerate the characterization of degradation mechanisms in catalysts and electrochemical devices. This position resides in the Applied Microanalysis and Thermophysics (AMAT) Group in the Materials Analysis & Interface Science Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our research team, you will collaborate with world leaders in catalysis and electrochemistry through national laboratory consortia of the Department of Energy’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI). Your role will be to work with the new aberration-corrected Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra STEM to help drive the development of automated routines for analyzing catalyst structure and degradation mechanisms. A key area of research will involve Python scripting within the Thermo Fisher AutoScript environment to control operation of the microscope beam, stage, detectors, and spectrometers, with a particular emphasis on annular dark-field STEM imaging, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy, at the intersection of electron microscopy, software engineering and machine learning.

Requirements

• A PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Computational Sciences, Physics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Demonstrated expertise with Python-based programming for instrument control, image analysis or spectroscopy

Nice To Haves

• Experience with transmission electron microscopy
• Familiarity with application programming interfaces, particularly Thermo Fisher’s AutoScript Software
• Experience with artificial intelligence or machine learning
• 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

• Lead the implementation of the AutoScript environment on the Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra
• Establish a virtual microscopy environment for writing, testing, and maintaining AutoScript routines
• Automate image acquisition and analysis workflows for robust particle size distribution measurements and morphology assessment
• Develop live image analysis and beam control protocols that adapt acquisition conditions in real time (drift correction, autofocus) for efficient atomic-resolution STEM-EDS/EELS spectrum imaging
• Develop AI-enabled approaches for multi-modal electron tomography acquisition and image alignment
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Present results at scientific conferences and CMEI consortia meetings
• 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