Job Description

Requisition Id 15388

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will work at the interface between three different groups: the Single Crystal Diffraction Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD), the Instrument Development group in the Neutron Technology Division (both part of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the Neutron and X-ray Scattering Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division of the Physical Science Directorate. NScD operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor-based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out more than 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL, please go to this link:

Together with an interdisciplinary team, you will investigate the fundamental limits and expand understanding of the applications of correlation methods for neutron scattering by characterizing the performance of the current and future correlation choppers. This work will include performing experiments at CORELLI, the diffuse scattering instrument at SNS, and analysis of inelastic components arising from dynamic instabilities in materials; development of a polarization-based correlation chopper prototype; simulation of instrumentation using McStas; analytics of materials structure and dynamics using neutron scattering. Depending on your skills, you will be able to focus on your area of expertise within programmatic and funding requirements.

This work will be conducted collaboratively with other scientists within the Neutron Scattering Division, providing an opportunity to work in a stimulating multidisciplinary environment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform neutron scattering experiments and analysis of resulting data.
• Perform Monte Carlo simulation and experiments to further improve neutron instrumentation.
• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in condensed matter physics, material science, chemistry, or nuclear engineer and/or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding on one of these three topics: condensed materials/solid state materials, neutron instrument simulation, neutron polarization.
• Experience with neutron and/or x-ray scattering including the analysis of such data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their PhD 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.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [email protected] 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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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 the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

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

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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 [email protected].

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.

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