Postdoctoral Research Associate – Correlated Quantum Materials

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Requisition Id 14050 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help advance our understanding of quantum materials through experimental studies of bulk single crystals. The position resides in the Correlated Electron Materials Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This project uses crystal growth and physical property measurements to develop, understand, and control new and emerging materials. Much of the work emphasizes magnetism and quasi-2D systems. Some aspects of the project directly address topology while others emphasize electron correlations, and the most interesting physics problems often involve an intersection of the two. 

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.

 Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Lead and contribute to collaborative research projects involving synthesis and characterization of bulk materials to understand structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. This includes identifying candidate materials and developing ideas for tuning them toward interesting ground states and behaviors.
  • Lead the writing of research papers resulting from your work with support from the group and collaborators, and present research results at scientific conferences.
  • Collaborate with researchers outside of our group from diverse backgrounds, within and external to ORNL, including condensed matter theorists and scientists performing microscopy, spectroscopy, and neutron scattering.
  • Help maintain lab space and equipment including Quantum Design measurement systems.
  • 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:

  • PhD in physics, applied physics, material science, chemistry, chemical or electrical engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years.
  • Background in experimental materials physics research, including materials synthesis and laboratory-based characterization of physical properties (magnetic, transport, crystallographic, thermal, optical).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with single crystal growth of inorganic materials.
  • Experience applying complementary characterization techniques to understand the nature and origins of correlated and/or topological phenomena.
  • Experience with the characterization and analysis of electrical and thermal transport properties.
  • Experience with characterization and analysis of thermodynamic properties associated with magnetism or superconductivity.
  • Experience operating and maintaining Quantum Design instruments.
  • 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.

Reference Letters:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can 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.


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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