Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

The Diffraction Group in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD) of the NScD at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral position focused on the modeling of local atomic structure in nanophase and nanostructured materials. Particular attention will be focused on linking surface chemistry, particle morphology, and “internal” crystal structure to the properties of functional nanocrystals, including during their use in industrial processes. Successful candidates will work within a collaborative team to develop and apply new data reduction and structure refinement methodologies, including towards in situ data monitoring and analysis. This position will allow postdoctoral scientists to develop expertise, broaden experience and to interact with a diverse set of leading scientists working and visiting ORNL’s neutron facilities.

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (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. 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

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Employ experiments and atomistic modeling to study, understand, and optimize structure-property relationships in nano and disordered crystalline materials.
• Implement and utilize novel data reduction and data modeling algorithms to further develop the performance of the powder diffraction instruments, including towards in situ data monitoring and analysis.
• Publish scientific papers resulting from this research and present results at appropriate national and international meetings
• Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand and eye protection gear, kneeling, sitting for extended periods of time, working with sample environment equipment, and possible exposure to ionization radiation normally associated with operation of neutron scattering instruments for scientific research
• Ensures compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• You will be expected to commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct by holding yourself and others to the highest scientific, professional, and ethical standards in a manner that fosters mutual respect and enhances the reputation of the individual researcher, his/her colleagues, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in its mission to address the Department of Energy’s and the nation’s scientific and technical challenges.

ORNL Benefits

Oak Ridge National Laboratory offers an exceptional benefits package to include a generous relocation, matching 401K, Pension Plan, Paid Vacation and medical / dental plan. Onsite amenities include Credit Union, Medical Clinic and free fitness facilities.

Qualifications Required

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or other related science field
• Knowledge of inorganic crystal structures and their defect and disorder motifs
• Programming proficiency in Python, C++, and/or Fortran
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels and in multi-disciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Molecular Dynamics and/or Density Functional Theory studies of functional inorganic materials.
• Previous experience modeling/ interpreting spectroscopy and/or diffraction/total scattering data.
• Data modeling and refinement expertise using programs such as TOPAZ, GSAS, Fullprof, PDFGUI, Diffpy-CMI, and RMCP.
• Experience in developing software or algorithms for data analytics, with particular interest in machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical inference, and other “big data” methods.
• Self-motivated with good interpersonal skills

Other Information

Applicants must have received their PhD within five years of this application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. Please include a Cover Letter and CV with your application. Your cover letter should include the name and contact information for two professional references. If you are asked to interview, you will be asked to provide a minimum of 2 reference letters for the hiring committee.

All applicants must go to the ORNL Career site to create a personal profile and then apply to this specific opening. Just search for NB50665096 in the search box and follow the prompts and instructions to apply.

Deadline for Application is the 27th May 2018!

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.