Research Associate in materials Science and Engineering

UVA Health

About The Position

The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to facilitate sponsored research programs in two or three of the following topics or other high-priority areas of scientific research: Design, synthesize and heat treat multi-principal element alloys. Utilize Python, CALPHAD, and ML methods for high-throughput analysis. Design alloys, synthesize and verify structure and composition by multiple methods. Conduct ML studies on down-selected alloys that meet phase stability criteria to identify compositions with the desired properties, including but not limited to corrosion. Work with materials experts to obtain corrosion electrochemical properties by conducting LSV, EIS, Passivation, and XPS. Partner and collaborate with materials experts to conduct CSRO and TTO-C analysis on solid solution alloys using a variety of tools. Perform and analyze high-fidelity corrosion studies on select alloys in molten salts or other harsh environments. Prior experience with salt preparation and MS reference electrodes is required, as well as with in-situ and post-test material analysis methods, such as SEM and XRD. Investigate the protection of high-value, lightweight, high-strength substrates susceptible to local corrosion such as IGSCC, and other forms of localized corrosion that degrade the substrate. Investigate the protection afforded by mitigation strategies over long exposure times using ALT. Investigate corrosion mitigation strategies targeted at complex, high-strength, low-weight alloys, such as Al-Mg microstructure. The successful candidate will work with metal powders, polymer coatings, and chemical inhibitors incorporated in a polymer matrix. The powders will contain various metallic elements and/or alloy pigments. Substate materials include Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Zn alloys. See the recommended experimental and modeling skills shown below. Investigate hydrogen interactions in high-strength materials introduced electrochemically. Conduct experiments to assess diffusible, trapped, and total hydrogen content and effective and perfect lattice diffusion coefficients. Also, conduct diagnostic experiments to determine whether permeation is surface- or bulk-controlled. Extend controlled potential and current experiments to studies of protective coatings that may accelerate or inhibit hydrogen production, d absorption. Include HER studies and permeation by the D-S method. The successful candidate will conduct studies on multiple projects simultaneously and possess extensive technical skills and experience with various experimental electrochemical techniques, including AC and DC electrochemistry, such as cyclic polarization, LSV, such as EIS, SVET, SKP, SDC, and SECM. The candidate will also be familiar with characterization methods, such as SEM/EDS, XRD, EBSD, XPS, ICP-OES, optical profilometry, and Raman. The ideal candidate will use software such as Medusa, CALPHAD, and OLI and have the ability to analyze and interpret metallurgy, corrosion, and corrosion electrochemistry data to write papers and progress reports for sponsors. The candidates will demonstrate evidence of prior success in the form of archival publications on these or related topics. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will write proposals for sponsored research, oral and written progress reports for sponsors, and will mentor graduate students and supervise undergraduate researchers.

Requirements

A Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field with a thesis dissertation emphasizing corrosion and metallurgy are required.

Nice To Haves

Prior research experience at a research university or evidence of success on three or more past projects.
Demonstrate good written and oral English language skills to interact with various sponsors, attention to detail, good record keeping, strong analytical skills, and previous experience mentoring junior researchers (undergraduate and graduate students).