Postdoctoral Research Associate - Irradiation Materials Analysis

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Oak Ridge, TN
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Requisition Id 15094Overview:Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on material property testing, analysis, and modeling of reactor isotope production target materials. This involves the development of experimental plans to examine material properties such as thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion – material properties critical to understanding target behavior during irradiation in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This could also involve development, validation, and deployment of new physical and analytical testing methods towards improving our understanding of unique target materials. You will be working with scientists, engineers, technicians, and safety and quality assurance staff to support material testing and fabrication efforts that advance HFIR isotope production targets. We are seeking a person who can be a team player with excellent attention to detail, critical thinking ability, and strong communication skills.Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, as well as extensive isotope production programs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and National Nuclear Safety Administration, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials, and the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), as you help guide the strategic growth of our isotope production enterprise. This position will primarily support the Plutonium-238 Supply Program at ORNL that is responsible for producing plutonium-238 for NASA in support of powering deep space missions.Major Duties/Rsponsibilities:
  • Perform experimental and computational studies related to the development of neptunium targets within the Plutonium-238 Supply Program.
  • Develop, validate, and deploy material property testing methodologies for the analysis of existing and new/advanced target designs. These methodologies principally include thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion but also could include other mechanical and chemical properties, as necessary.
  • Support research and development on alternative target designs, including alternative material matrices for pressed cermet pellets, complex geometries of pellets, novel encapsulation methodologies, and other innovations utilizing advanced manufacturing.
  • Publish scientific papers and internal reports resulting from this research and present results at the appropriate settings.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our cove values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Science.
  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director’s office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity
Basic Qualifications:
  • To be eligible you must have completed a PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field with in the last 5 years.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with experimental and computational approaches to characterizing thermophysical behavior of materials.
  • Experience developing analytical descriptions of material systems to improve outcomes for application spaces.
  • Experience with techniques for analysis of thermal transport properties such as laser flash diffusivity analysis, transient plane source method, dilatometry, and thermal analysis (DSC/TGA).
  • Hands-on experience in materials characterization using tools such as particle size analysis, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction.
  • Strong understanding in fundamental metallic, ceramic, and hybrid materials science as well as some familiarity with a variety of manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with advanced/additive manufacturing.
  • Experience working in radiological environment.
  • Experience in heat transfer and thermal modeling/simulation using finite-element analysis (FEA) or other software.
  • Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
  • Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Applicants cannot receive 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.Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.This position resides within the Target Design, Analysis, and Qualification (TDAQ) group in the Radioisotope Production Engineering and Analysis Section, in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate. The TDAQ group enables the production of a variety of important medical, scientific, and industrial radioisotopes. These include several alpha/beta emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227, Ra-224/Pb-212, and W-188); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; Pu-238 for space exploration; and Ir-192, Kr-85, Ni-63, Pm-147, and Ba-133 for industrial applications.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 6,000 people!ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.#LI-DC1This 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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.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.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory