Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist research staff in understanding the synergistic effects of various degradation phenomena on nuclear reactor fuel cladding and core internal materials. This position is within the Fuel Cladding and Core Internals (FCCI) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate. The FCCI Group focuses on applying modern materials science to design, develop, optimize, and test advanced materials for higher performance nuclear energy systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructural characterization of materials.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to the post-irradiation performance of novel materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation mechanical property data.
• Perform characterization activities within a radiological laboratory.
• Participate in the development of new ideas and projects.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD degree in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, presentation, and writing).
• Applicants must have completed all degree requirements prior to position start.
• Proficiency with specimen preparation using standard metallography and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, and TEM is strongly preferred.
• Experience with radiation effects in metals and alloys, with a focus on deformation mechanisms, damage-rate, helium effects, and/or stress effects in materials.
• Familiarity with subsized specimen mechanical testing/property analysis.
• Experience with the design of experiments for the collection of in-situ mechanical testing data.
• Knowledge of scientific software in Python (numpy, scipy, pandas) or related data analysis suite.
• Record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• 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, and adapt to changing needs.

Special Requirements

• A pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• A Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Successful completion and passing of a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation is required, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (including marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are considered illegal under federal law).