Requisition Id 11966 

Overview: 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on employing advanced characterization techniques, predominantly atomic force microscopy (AFM), to enhance our understanding of the interactions between pathogens, microorganisms, and functionalized interfaces. Your research will provide valuable insights into materials that either mitigate or amplify biofouling and pathogen adhesion, aiding in preparation for future biological threats like the COVID-19 pandemic. This position is located within the Functional Atomic Force Microscopy Group in the Nanomaterials Characterization Section at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Science Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our team, you will:

• Employ and further develop state-of-the-art AFM tools (including automated and autonomous approaches) to decode the dynamics of surface-biomolecule interactions spanning a range of time and spatial dimensions.
• Be involved in the characterization, design, and fabrication of material interface arrays endowed with specific physical and chemical characteristics.
• Contribute to the design and production methodologies of future anti-pathogenic materials.
• Prepare tools and resources that operate at the nanoscale level to proactively engage with and address future biological challenges.

Your work will heavily rely on ORNL's specialized AFMs, offering insights into nanoscale functional properties and dynamics. You will have the unique opportunity to further innovate and develop cutting-edge AFM techniques targeting the rapid screening of bio-material interactions. New approaches for studying surface interactions will include development of methods around Fluidic Force Microscopy. You will be expected to work closely with colleagues from the CNMS Nanofabrication Research Laboratory for developing material arrays and devices. You can expect further close collaborations with experts in data analysis including AI/ML, theory, and various optical and chemical characterization methods. Your collaborative efforts will stretch across multiple ORNL divisions and will be integral to our research team formed through DOE’s new Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment, BRaVE, initiative.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research on materials utilizing AFM
• Work as part of a dynamic team conducting research that advances cutting-edge characterization techniques to improve our understanding of bio-surface interactions.
• Collaborate with the team to refine the fabrication of functional material surfaces, focusing on desired functionalities.
• Present research findings, report results, and publish in peer-reviewed journals promptly.
• Uphold and adhere to environmental, safety, health, and quality program standards.
• Maintain a 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 materials science and engineering, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in materials characterization techniques particularly AFM
• Fundamental understanding of surface science and/or biophysical interactions
• Experience in programming, particularly Python and/or Labview
• 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

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.

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

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@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.