Job Description

Full job description

Requisition Id 13508

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Your work will focus on characterization and synthesis of single crystal thin film materials. This will be a highly collaborative position residing in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will assist with the growth of thin film and heterostructured materials utilizing pulsed laser deposition, and probing the crystalline, electronic, and magnetic properties. The emphasis will be on the development and characterization of phenomena in compositionally complex crystalline materials relevant to applications in microelectronics, quantum information, ion transport, catalysis, etc. This will include preforming characterization in our group’s state of the art laboratories to study the atomic and electronic structure, and magnetic properties. The candidate will work in close collaboration with Dr. Zac Ward and other members of the Quantum Heterostructure group as well as in collaboration with other groups at ORNL. In addition, you will have access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities at the Center for Nanophase Material Science (CNMS), a DOE user facility onsite at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Synthesis of compositionally complex and high entropy thin film materials by pulsed laser deposition and RF sputtering.

• Characterization of electronic, structural, and magnetic properties utilizing a dilution refrigerator, Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS), four-circle X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), synchrotron X-ray diffraction/Spectroscopy, and neutron reflectometry.

• Focus on new materials design linking experimental data with machine learning strategies.

• Prepare and lead user proposals to gain access to DOE-funded user facilities.

• Disseminate of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

• Work in the fast paced and highly collaborative environment at ORNL to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.

• 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 Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related science discipline completed within the last 5 years.

• Preference will be given to those with a strong background in either thin film synthesis or device prototyping with experience in synthesis by molecular beam epitaxy, pulsed laser deposition, or bulk single crystals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.

• Familiarity with numerical data analysis and customization of control software (Python, Labview, etc.).

• Experience with the use of nanofabrication techniques, dilution refrigerator, PPMS, XRD, SQUID, XPS, scanning probes, soft x-rays, and neutrons.

• 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

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.

Letters of Recommendation: 3 references are required
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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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.

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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