Staff Scientist - X-Ray Diffraction
About The Position
Corning is seeking a hands-on Staff Scientist to join its characterization team in Corning, New York. The role focuses primarily on powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), with supporting responsibilities in differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA), within a broader structural and thermal analysis capability. The scientist will use advanced characterization tools to study complex materials and support innovation and manufacturing across Corning technologies. Materials and applications include glass ceramics, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and raw materials. The role contributes to materials development, process understanding, and production support in a fast-paced research environment.
Requirements
- PhD in Geology, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in a characterization-focused role, with strong XRD and DSC/TGA experience.
- Strong foundation in materials science and technical problem-solving, particularly for complex inorganic or multiphase material systems.
- Ability to execute measurements accurately and consistently and effectively document and communicate the work performed.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, draw sound technical conclusions, and communicate effectively.
- Strong organizational, collaboration, and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
Nice To Haves
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in XRD or materials characterization.
- Programming skills, preferably VBA and Python, and experience developing custom scripts to interface with analytical software.
- Ability to develop scripts and automated pipelines to reduce manual data processing and accelerate sample throughput.
- Experience with statistical and cluster analysis.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert performing advanced XRD characterization, including full and semi-quantification of XRD patterns using Rietveld refinement and whole-pattern fitting.
- Build Rietveld models, including structure refinement and structure solutions.
- Perform DSC/TGA characterization by tailoring instrument configuration, sample handling, and measurement execution to specific needs.
- Analyze complex thermograms, deconvolve overlapping thermal events, and correlate data with material microstructure or composition.
- Develop, validate, and document new XRD and DSC/TGA methods for complex materials when conventional methods are unavailable.
- Collaborate with researchers and characterization colleagues to design experiments, select effective characterization strategies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
- Present technical results to R, D & E project teams and stakeholders, and assist with root-cause investigations.
- Maintain safe laboratory practices; perform routine calibrations; troubleshoot hardware and software issues; and manage equipment qualification.
- Write technical reports and contribute to documentation and intellectual property as appropriate.
Benefits
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives.
- 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions.
- 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions; total company contributions to retirement accounts can reach 7% to 12% of pay, depending on age and years of service.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid parental leave and family-building support.
- Fitness benefits.
- Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
- Disease management programs.
- Paid time off.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
