Research & Development Associate - Probing Structure Evolution in Manufactured Biomaterials

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research & Development Associate will focus on microfabrication and mesoscale material synthesis via liquid–liquid phase separation of biomass fractions. The role is in the Carbon and Composites Group, Separations and Polymer Chemistry Section, Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The associate will investigate biomass-solvent-nonsolvent phase behavior, synthesize materials with hierarchical morphology through non-equilibrium phase separation, and develop fluid mechanics models to understand fluid transport during processing. The work also includes manufacturing fibers from oligomeric biomaterials and functionalized porous fibers for separation and enrichment applications. The associate will carry out polymer synthesis and characterization, develop processing methods, and manage laboratory space and hazardous chemical inventories, working independently and with colleagues, principal investigators, and other staff. The position requires a PhD in a relevant discipline and at least three years of post-PhD experience. Visa sponsorship is unavailable. The employee must be able to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and pass the required federal background investigation. Three letters of recommendation are requested as part of the application.

Requirements

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline, with particular focus on nonequilibrium morphologies in soft materials via liquid-liquid self-assembly and associated interfacial phenomena.
At least 3 years of post-PhD experience designing functional polymeric materials via multiphase fluid processing.
Experience in microscopic analysis of polymer morphologies.
Experience using Python for data analysis.
Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge and pass the required federal Tier 1 background investigation.
Three letters of reference must be submitted with the application or sent to ORNL Recruiting.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in multiphase polymer solution processing.
Safety-conscious approach.
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and participate creatively in a collaborative team.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter able to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments to build phase diagrams of biomass-solvent-nonsolvent fractions for facile separation of biomass fractions.
Synthesize materials with hierarchical morphology via non-equilibrium phase separation.
Conduct microfabrication and mesoscale material synthesis.
Develop fluid mechanics models to understand fluid transport during processing.
Manufacture fibers from oligomeric biomaterials for multifunctional use.
Manufacture functionalized porous fibers for separation and enrichment applications.
Follow procedures for polymer synthesis and characterization and develop new processing methods, working independently and collaboratively with coworkers, principal investigators, and other staff.
Manage laboratory space and hazardous chemical inventories.
Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.