Postdoctoral Research Associate – Polarized Neutron Scattering Instrumentation for Quantum Materials

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Requisition Id 13870 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. ORNL’s diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines. ORNL’s world class synthesis, characterization and computing facilities enable the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. For more about ORNL see: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakRidgeNationalLab.

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at ORNL operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States’ highest flux reactor based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world’s most intense pulsed accelerator based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out in excess of 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences for more than 3,000 visiting scientists. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to http://neutrons.ornl.gov.

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! 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 essential 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.


Purpose:

The Neutron Instrument Technologies Section in the Neutron Technologies Division of NScD has an immediate opening for post-doctoral research associate to work on the development of novel neutron scattering techniques with polarized neutrons and their applications to study quantum materials. Your core research will involve performing elastic, inelastic and polarized neutron scattering measurements on single crystal samples using the world-leading instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL and other major neutron scattering facilities in the world.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our research team composed of scientists, engineers, and programmers. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation ultra-high-resolution neutron scattering techniques using polarized neutrons and drive their application in studying advanced materials. This role focuses on research and development in neutron optics and spin manipulation devices, leveraging technologies such as resistive or superconducting electromagnetic devices.

The successful candidate will work with the Neutron Instrument Technologies Section, colleagues from other ORNL divisions, and university partners to:

  • Develop ultra-high-resolution neutron scattering techniques for energy or momentum transfer.
  • Perform McStas ray tracing simulations, magnetic field simulations, and 3D mechanical design.
  • Develop new neutron optical methods, components or novel neutron spin manipulation devices.
  • Apply ultra-high-resolution techniques: Measure the lifetime of quasi-particle excitations across the entire Brillouin zone with μeV resolution. Conduct precise high-intensity measurements of lattice constants to explore lattice distortions caused by weak interactions. Current research areas include superconductivity, multiferroicity, thermoelectric materials, and quantum criticality.
  • Develop essential software: Create software for device operation and data analysis using Python or LabView.
  • Disseminate research findings: Publish results in scientific journals, conference proceedings, and ORNL technical reports. Present findings at national and international conferences.
  • Ensure compliance and uphold values: Adhere to environmental, safety, health, and quality standards while maintaining a strong commitment to organizational values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications:

  • PhD in physics, applied physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
  • Must be willing to work in a team environment on technically and scientifically challenging topics.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with neutron or X-ray scattering techniques.
  • Expertise in the development of instrumentation, magnetic devices or cryogenic devices is highly desirable.
  • Proven experience in developing novel techniques, along with strong proficiency in computer programming and data acquisition.
  • The candidate should be self-motivated, have good interpersonal, communication, and presentational skills, and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with research staff at all levels and to work within a multi-disciplinary team.

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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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.


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.

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