Research Associate in Materials Science (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

Overview We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on the intersection of materials science, materials characterization, and data science. The goal is to develop new methodologies for assessing and improving the quality of components fabricated using advanced manufacturing processes. This position is part of the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Major Duties & Responsibilities Develop algorithms and software tools for visualizing and analyzing materials characterization data Develop novel, data-driven materials characterization workflows Advance understanding of process–structure–property relationships via digital manufacturing Apply AI/ML techniques to materials science problems Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences Support R&D staff on ongoing projects Contribute to general research and development activities within the lab Align work with ORNL core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace environment Basic Qualifications Applicants must have: Ph.D. in materials science or a closely related field (focused on materials characterization) Ph.D. completed within the last five years Strong background in materials characterization techniques, such as:Interest in advanced manufacturing and digital manufacturing Microscopy XRD EBSD X-ray CT Programming skills in Python or modern C/C++/C# Experience in designing and executing R&D projects Ability to work in a dynamic team environment Strong communication skills (written and verbal) Special Requirements Visa sponsorship is not available Must meet federal background investigation requirements Must be eligible for DOE access and obtain a federal PIV card Must pass Tier 1 federal background check Must comply with federal restrictions regarding drug use policies (including cannabis) Position Details Appointment length: up to 24 months (renewable based on performance and funding) Start date: dependent on hiring process Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA Highly collaborative national laboratory environment Application Requirements Applicants must submit: Three letters of reference Application materials via ORNL system or email (postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov) About Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory with an 80-year legacy of scientific discovery. The lab employs over 7,000 staff and focuses on solving national challenges in: Energy Environment Security Advanced materials and computing ORNL emphasizes diversity, innovation, and high-impact research. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan and pension options Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave Flexible work options Relocation assistance Wellness and employee assistance programs Educational assistance and training opportunities On-site amenities (fitness center, cafeteria, banking services) Equal Opportunity Statement ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Overview

We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on the intersection of materials science, materials characterization, and data science. The goal is to develop new methodologies for assessing and improving the quality of components fabricated using advanced manufacturing processes.

This position is part of the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Develop algorithms and software tools for visualizing and analyzing materials characterization data
Develop novel, data-driven materials characterization workflows
Advance understanding of process–structure–property relationships via digital manufacturing
Apply AI/ML techniques to materials science problems
Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences
Support R&D staff on ongoing projects
Contribute to general research and development activities within the lab
Align work with ORNL core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service
Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace environment

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must have:

Ph.D. in materials science or a closely related field (focused on materials characterization)
Ph.D. completed within the last five years
Strong background in materials characterization techniques, such as:Interest in advanced manufacturing and digital manufacturing
- Microscopy
- XRD
- EBSD
- X-ray CT
Programming skills in Python or modern C/C++/C#
Experience in designing and executing R&D projects
Ability to work in a dynamic team environment
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)

Special Requirements

Visa sponsorship is not available
Must meet federal background investigation requirements
Must be eligible for DOE access and obtain a federal PIV card
Must pass Tier 1 federal background check
Must comply with federal restrictions regarding drug use policies (including cannabis)

Position Details

Appointment length: up to 24 months (renewable based on performance and funding)
Start date: dependent on hiring process
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Highly collaborative national laboratory environment

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Three letters of reference
Application materials via ORNL system or email (postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov)

About Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory with an 80-year legacy of scientific discovery. The lab employs over 7,000 staff and focuses on solving national challenges in:

Energy
Environment
Security
Advanced materials and computing

ORNL emphasizes diversity, innovation, and high-impact research.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan and pension options
Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave
Flexible work options
Relocation assistance
Wellness and employee assistance programs
Educational assistance and training opportunities
On-site amenities (fitness center, cafeteria, banking services)

Equal Opportunity Statement

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

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