Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Joining and Allied Processes

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

20d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates who will focus on materials joining and allied materials sciences and manufacturing technologies. These positions reside in the Materials Joining Group in the Materials Analysis and Interface Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Multiple positions are available to support R&D with different research focuses. They include innovations in joining and materials processing/synthesis, AI/ML for process monitoring and control, and physics based computational modeling of joining processes or performance of welded structures. As a postdoc, you will conduct research and development at the forefront and often at the intersection of above topic areas as part of our multi-disciplinary team, with access to the vast research resources in a national laboratory environment, to advance your career.

Requirements

• A PhD in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• 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.
• A Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• Must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.
• Must declare illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent hands-on experience in operating materials joining equipment, especially laser welding, friction stir welding/processing and/or ultrasonic solid-state joining/processing
• Excellent hands-on skills in manufacturing process sensing and monitoring, especially in welding and allied fields such as additive manufacturing.
• Excellent skills and experiences of solid-mechanics, heat transfer and HPC simulations of welding residual stresses, and welding process simulations
• Excellent skills and knowledge in experimental mechanics, mechanical behavior of materials, failure analysis
• Demonstrated experience in application of AI and machining learning in manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated experience in experiment design, and big data processing for elevated temperature mechanical property testing results
• Strong background in high temperature material damage mechanisms
• Skills in advanced material characterization techniques such as High Temperature Digital Image Correlation and specialized mechanical testing are advantageous
• Solid background on materials science and phase transformations of metals and alloys, and experimental mechanics
• Demonstrated experiences in thermodynamic, and/or phase field modeling tools for microstructure and phase transformation modeling and simulation of ferrite alloys and lightweight materials
• Advanced characterization skills such as optical and high-resolution electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EBSD)
• Familiar with multi-axis robotic system and program
• 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 to an international, scientific audience
• 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.
• 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

• Perform R&D in one of the above focus area in an integrated, team environment
• 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
• 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

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• 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
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

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