Senior R&D Staff Member – High Pressure Quantum Materials Science

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Requisition Id 13889 

Overview:    

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research & Development Scientist with a focus on High Pressure Quantum Materials Science. In this role you will develop a complementary science portfolio through prioritizing the scientific and developmental needs High-Pressure Research Program promoted by the High Pressure Group of the Sample Environment Section, Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) , Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).    

This position provides high pressure R&D support for the suite of scattering instruments at the SNS and HFIR. You will grow a complimentary scientific portfolio with a focus on, for example but not limited to, quantum materials, hydrogen-rich materials or other relevant high pressure topics. You will use this to foster a research program in high pressure materials science, lead relevant developmental efforts, provide guidance to the scientific staff and user community, and serve as the scientific point of contact for high pressure development, experimentation, and operation. There will be ample opportunity to lead many of the currently ongoing cutting-edge efforts and you will be an integral part of high-pressure research at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Lead user groups as “scientific pressure local contact” by driving collaboration with staff scientists and user groups to develop and execute novel high-pressure experiments.  

  • Ensure users are provided scientifically robust pressure experiments and contribute to resulting data analysis. This involves participation, and co-authorship as appropriate, in user-based manuscript preparation. 

  • Spearhead the establishment of cutting-edge high pressure materials science portfolio for the user program and through personal research that is complimentary to existing expertise and scientific interest in the group. This includes pioneering new high-pressure technologies and adapting existing techniques to cutting-edge instrumentation. 

  • Ensure the operational excellence of the High-Pressure Group by overseeing safe operations, reviewing complex experiments, and maintaining rigorous documentation as consistent with the role of a senior research professional within a user facility. 

  • Cultivate a diverse, high-caliber community of users to fully leverage ORNL’s advanced pressure capabilities in addressing groundbreaking research challenges. 

  • Grow a network of national and international collaborations, present your work and the capabilities of the pressure program in major scientific conferences and publish research results in leading scientific journals. 

  • Expand the development of the next generation of expert neutron users, via participation in workshops, and mentoring students and postdocs. 

  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements, and foster an inclusive work environment for ORNL’s diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students. 

  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct. Including the Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success. You can read our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director’s office here. 

  • 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

Basic Qualifications: 

  • A PhD in materials science, physics, chemistry, earth & planetary sciences, mechanical engineering, or related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience.  

  • Extensive experience with high pressure neutron scattering or high-pressure synchrotron X-ray scattering. 

  • A strong record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences. 

  • Ability to perform hands-on work with various complex pressure environments.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and diligently in the complex, fast-paced, highly collaborative environment of a user facility. 

  • A focus on research and development in the field of high-pressure materials. 

  • A proven track record of scientific publications and/or patent applications including those on developmental efforts. 

  • A proven track record of service to the community including, but not limited to, conference or symposium organization, service on funding and advisory panels. 

  • Proficiency in computer-aided mechanical design and experience with scattering instrumentation or sample environment design and development. 

  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team and working with industrial partners or in industry is advantageous. 

Special Requirements:  

  • Final candidates may be asked to submit 2 letters of reference. 

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. 

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions. 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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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.

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