R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research vapor phase synthetic material scientist who will focus on the chemical evaluation of vapor grown high temperature ceramic and ceramic composite systems and their relationship to microstructure and performance metrics. This position resides in the Ceramics and Ceramic Composites (CCC) Group, Materials Processing Science and Engineering (MPSE) Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The individual will also interact and coordinate with other team members in other ORNL Research Divisions. As part of our research team, you will collaborate with senior technical staff who are world leaders in ceramic science and engineering through sponsorship from the US Department of Energy Critical Materials Energy Infrastructure HEGO and AMMTO offices. Your role will be to elucidate synthetic approaches on materials properties using the advanced suite of characterization equipment available at ORNL and help drive ongoing efforts to improve their performance and reliability.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Ceramic Science or Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, or a related discipline
Strong background in inorganic synthesis
Experience with high temperature ceramic systems, characterization and chemical vapor coating and infiltration, and synthesis of new material systems

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral research experience
Experienced with chemical vapor coating and/or infiltration
Experienced with ceramic powder and slurry characterization methods, mixing, and flowability
Experienced with chemical reactions for polymers and synthesis of new materials
Experienced with reactor design
Experience working with radiological materials
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

Chemical vapor coating and infiltration of high temperature ceramic systems
Develop new or refined testing methods and ceramic processing and fabrication that will ultimately improve property performance
Synthesize new ceramic and/or polymeric materials
Coordinate task efforts within a highly collaborative environment of national laboratories, industry, and academic partners
Report research results through conferences and peer-reviewed journals and classified technical reports where required
Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
Work with a variety of teams in addressing diverse advanced characterization needs of multiple classes of brittle materials and manufacturing processes
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