Requisition Id 10733 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will perform materials research in the area of aluminum alloy development for cast and additive manufacturing applications. The position will allow significant interaction with researchers with varying background and additional opportunities for professional development. This position resides in the Alloy Behavior and Design Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work with multiple other groups within MSTD and Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) on the physical metallurgy of aluminum alloys for automotive (with emphasis on electric vehicle systems) applications. Projects will include application of physical metallurgy principles to contribute to development of sustainable alloys with desirable advances in mechanical, thermal, and/or electrical properties. A background in solidification processing, mechanical properties, microstructural analysis, thermal properties, electrical properties, additive manufacturing, and high pressure die casting will be desirable but not necessary. The position will involve significant interaction with a large team within Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as well as external industry partners.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Understand the processing-microstructure-property relationships in cast and additive aluminum alloy systems
• Perform the necessary chemistry and processing modifications to meet target alloy properties
• Apply advanced characterization and modeling techniques and make fundamental contributions to the field
• Interact with other researchers, technicians, and students to shape and drive the research agenda
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Develop strong, productive working relationships across partnering research groups within ORNL
• 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 materials science and engineering or a related discipline completed within the last five years
• A strong background in physical metallurgy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in physical metallurgy of aluminum alloys
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Background in solidification processing, high pressure die casting, and/or additive manufacturing of alloys
• Background in mechanical properties of alloys
• Background in electrical and/or thermal properties of alloys
• Background in solid state processing and/or wire drawing of alloys

Special Requirements:

Postdocs: 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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov.  Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

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.