Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neutron Scattering Investigations of Quantum Materials

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team to advance understanding of quantum materials by performing neutron scattering experiments and associated modeling/analysis. Our highly collaborative team includes experts in neutron scattering, materials synthesis and characterization, and theory. You will work closely with our team on projects in the areas of quantum magnetism, the impact of disorder on model quantum magnets, and novel spin textures.  This position resides in the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects involving neutron scattering studies of quantum materials. This includes identifying candidate materials, developing ideas for tuning toward interesting ground states and behaviors, designing and performing neutron scattering experiments, and connecting to advanced theory and simulation.
• Lead the writing of research papers resulting from your work with support from the project team and collaborators, and present research results at scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers outside of our group from diverse backgrounds, within and external to ORNL.
• Write neutron scattering proposals to obtain neutron scattering beam time at international user facilities, with emphasis on performing measurements at the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Work safely and independently within a supportive group setting. 
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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 physics, applied physics, material science, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Background in experimental materials physics research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with neutron or x-ray scattering.
• Experience with one or more of the following: diffuse neutron scattering, solving magnetic structures through neutron diffraction, small angle neutron scattering measurements, and/or inelastic neutron scattering.
• Experience using the SUNNY software suite and or other software packages or analysis and modeling of neutron scattering data.
• Experience applying complementary characterization techniques to understand the nature and origins of correlated and/or topological phenomena.
• Familiarity with the health and safety hazards associated with an experimental condensed matter laboratory that houses an extensive synthesis effort.
• Publication record demonstrating an ability to effectively and efficiently report scientific results.
• 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.

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. 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.

About ORNL:

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 7,000 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.

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 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, 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.

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.