Postdoctoral Research Associate - Momentum-Resolved Electron Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

1d

About The Position

The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks two Postdoctoral Research Associates to develop and apply next-generation electron microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities for investigating quantum materials. The research focuses on momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (qEELS), and may involve instrument development, experimental measurements, computational modeling, and data-driven analysis. Individual responsibilities will be tailored to each researcher’s background and interests.

The positions are in the Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Group within CNMS’s Nanomaterials Characterization Section, part of ORNL’s Physical Sciences Directorate. The researchers will collaborate with teams across CNMS, ORNL’s Neutron Scattering Division, and external partners, combining electron microscopy, materials characterization, computational methods, and complementary scattering techniques to study relationships among material structure, electronic behavior, and collective excitations.

The appointment may last up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding. Candidates must have completed all PhD requirements before starting and must have received their PhD no more than five years before applying. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge, subject to applicable federal background and credentialing requirements. Three letters of reference are required with the application.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a related field, completed within the last five years before application.
• Complete all PhD degree requirements before starting the appointment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge, or, for certain foreign-national candidates who do not meet the U.S. residency requirement, obtain a favorable LSSO risk determination as applicable.
• Submit three letters of reference with the application.
• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced research environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron diffraction, or related advanced characterization techniques.
• Experience in electron optics, instrument development, experimental physics, instrument control, or computational modeling of scientific instruments.
• Understanding of electronic structure, scattering phenomena, collective excitations, or the properties of quantum and correlated materials.
• Experience with scientific programming, numerical simulation, machine learning, or computational approaches to experimental data interpretation.
• Experience with neutron scattering, x-ray scattering, or other methods for investigating material structure and dynamics.
• Experience developing scientific software or automated experimental workflows, particularly using Python.
• Motivation to develop new experimental or computational capabilities and explore emerging scientific opportunities.
• Candidates with complementary experimental, theoretical, or computational backgrounds are encouraged to apply; expertise in every listed area is not expected.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, commissioning, and application of advanced electron microscopy and spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Design and conduct experiments investigating electronic properties, collective excitations, and structure–property relationships in quantum materials.
• Develop and apply computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches to support instrument development, experimental design, and interpretation of results.
• Explore integration of electron microscopy and spectroscopy with complementary characterization techniques, including neutron scattering.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams in experimental science, instrumentation, theory, and computation.
• Develop scientific software and reproducible workflows for experimental data acquisition, processing, simulation, or analysis.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scientific conferences, and contribute to research proposals and reports.
• Comply with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Support ORNL’s mission and core values, and promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Benefits

• Medical plans
• Retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• On-site fitness facilities
• On-site banking facilities
• On-site 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree