Postdoctoral Researcher

About the Role

Seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to refine or develop expertise in composites manufacturing and characterization. The role involves manifesting higher-level project deliverables into a timely, high-quality product. Immediate project needs focus on developing and optimizing products for industries like automotive and aerospace, utilizing new bio- and waste-derived plastic resins and fillers. The ideal candidate will leverage experience or develop new expertise in composites manufacturing through various methods from benchtop to pilot-scale, and utilize unique characterization capabilities to understand, optimize, and refine material formulations. The candidate should be comfortable working with interdisciplinary teams, designing experiments, be self-motivated, and passionate about safe work. Responsibilities include executing multiple projects simultaneously, contributing to new initiatives, and interacting with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners. This position is in the Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group within the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform composites manufacturing using techniques including compression molding, injection molding, and additive manufacturing.
• Operate characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, TMA, XRD, rheology, twin-screw extruders, and electron and optical microscopy.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize new, innovative materials for various properties using comprehensive laboratory capabilities.
• Disseminate research findings in the form of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles per year.
• Prioritize multiple research projects to meet strategic goals and deliverables.
• Regularly report project status to research staff and project sponsors.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to values and ethics.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and/or Systems Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline obtained within the last five years.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• Comfortable working alongside interdisciplinary teams.
• Self-motivated with a thirst for knowledge.
• Passion for performing safe work.

Qualifications

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements

• 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.
• Appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension, subject to performance and funding availability.
• Physical requirements: A pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility: A Real ID compliant form of identification is required. All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation (Federal Tier 1 background check). Foreign nationals not residing in the U.S. for three consecutive years will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination, and will later be required to obtain a PIV credential once residency requirements are met.