R&D Associate - Alloy and Process Design for Powder Metallurgy

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Associate who is a highly motivated individual to dedicate alloy design, characterization, and evaluation studies in the field of powder metallurgy. The candidate is expected to join the research team focusing on designing alloys through mechanical alloying and experimentally investigating microstructure-property-process relationships in metal-based structural materials or components made through powder metallurgy. The candidate is also responsible for deriving next generation powder metallurgy technology development led through alloy and process design approaches. The candidate will have interest and experience in one or more topics listed below: Phase equilibrium (and non-equilibrium) and microstructure evolution in various alloy systems related to multi-phase containing metal-based structural materials, Alloy and process design to produce metal-based structural materials through mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy, Deformation mechanisms of metal-based structural materials at ambient/elevated temperatures, Property evaluation in tensile, toughness, fatigue, creep, or creep-fatigue of metal-based structural materials, Detailed microstructure characterization of multi-phase containing metal-based materials, Design and development of structural materials for extreme environments, Evaluation and characterization of materials consisting of heterogeneous microstructure. This position resides in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group, Materials Structures and Processing Section, Materials Sciences and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Requirements

A PhD in Physical Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline
Experience in the scientific fields of powder metallurgy and mechanical alloying
Experience in metal-based structural materials related research with experimental, theoretical, and characterization components
Strong background in material deformation mechanisms and evaluation methodology of mechanical properties

Nice To Haves

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 experimental works including operation and maintenance of metal powder attritors in the group lab-spaces for mechanical alloying process in house
Perform material property evaluation correlating with alloys, process parameter, and microstructure for a fundamental description in materials made through powder metallurgy
Work with a diverse team of experts in modeling, processing, property measurement, alloy design, environmental compatibility, and other relevant areas to advance science-based understanding of metal-based structural materials
Lead or co-lead research teams to characterize the mechanical response of materials produced through powder metallurgy, and investigate the effect of microstructure and alloying additions on deformation mechanism
Produce high impact publications and conference presentations in the field of metal-based structural materials correlated with powder metallurgy
Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
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.