­­Overview:  

The Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences (GIS) Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites outstanding applications for a postdoctoral research associate to conduct experimental research focused on reactivity of solid-liquid interfaces, including on mineral nucleation and growth from aqueous solutions as well as interaction with carbon dioxide.

You will conduct experiments while making in situ observations as well as elevated temperature and pressure and analyzed ex situ. Experimental techniques might include X-ray/neutron scattering, atomic force microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometry, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation measurements, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, or other techniques.

The GIS group functions as a team, so you are a team player who enjoys collaborating with the other personnel in the GIS group, as well as personnel at ORNL’s Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), the Spallation neutron source (SNS) and the high-flux isotope reactor (HFIR).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct independent research using experimental techniques and multi-modal microscopy characterization, which will include developing/optimizing methodologies for mineral analyses.
• Perform mineral nucleation, growth and carbonation experiments.
• Collaborate with ORNL researchers on the design and execution of microscopy and X-ray/neutron scattering experiments and subsequent characterization.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.

• 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 Physical Sciences, such as Geology, Geochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in wet chemistry.
• Background in analytical or microscopy techniques (e.g., atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Data analyses experience, e.g., using machine learning.
• Excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• 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.