Requisition Id 10554 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

The Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites outstanding applications for a postdoctoral research associate to conduct research in crystal nucleation and growth using a variety of in situ imaging techniques, including synchrotron-based X-ray/neutron scattering/imaging techniques (e.g. X-ray nanotomography, X-ray computed tomography, Bragg coherent X-ray diffractive imaging) and other microscopy methods (scanning probe microscopy, scanning interferometry, optical microscopy and electron microscopy). The selected candidate will work with scientists at ORNL to develop an understanding of the relation between heterogeneous mineral nucleation and growth rates, substrate topology, and interaction with background electrolyte. The position resides in the Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Conduct independent research using multimodal imaging methods, which will include developing/optimizing methodologies for mineral analyses

• Perform crystal nucleation/growth experiments on different substrates with engineered surface topologies and under different background electrolyte composition and concentration
• Collaborate with ORNL researchers and beamline scientists at national synchrotron facilities on the design and execution of imaging methods by using in situ flow cells
• Present and report research results and publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physical Sciences, such as Earth and Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Strong background in performing microscopy and analysis (e.g., transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, atom probe tomography)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in wet chemistry
• Data analyses experience, e.g., image processing and segmentation using machine learning
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• The abilities to be a self-starter, to work independently and to participate creatively in a collaborative team effort
• 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

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov. 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.