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Requisition Id 16935
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) invites applications for a Research Associate position to advance research and development in radiation effects in ceramics. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in scientific research related to ceramics and ceramic composites used in nuclear fission and fusion reactors, including a deep understanding of radiation damage mechanisms and experience in the processing, testing, and characterization of ceramic materials. This position resides within the Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) in the Materials in Extreme Environments Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL.
Working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), and Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), as well as industry and external stakeholders, the incumbent will apply advanced expertise in nuclear materials science to drive innovation and support next-generation energy research initiatives. The position plays a central role in bridging fundamental and applied materials research, enabling transformative advances in fusion and fission energy systems through foundational studies of radiation effects in ceramics and related materials. Targeted at an early-career researcher, this position offers an opportunity to develop into an R&D leader who will strengthen ORNL's role as a national resource while advancing the DOE mission of clean energy innovation, energy security, and scientific excellence.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform thermophysical measurements and microstructural characterizations on ceramic and composite materials subjected to neutron irradiation in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).
• Coordinate radioactive material testing workflows in collaboration with technical staff across specialized facilities, including the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) laboratory and the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) facility.
• Establish and uphold laboratory safety procedures for handling and testing radioactive samples in direct coordination with Radiological Control Technicians (RCTs).
• Support the development of innovative research projects by contributing to experimental design, material testing, advanced data analysis, and scientific documentation.
• Publish scientific findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and present results at relevant technical conferences.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering (Materials focus), or closely related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of post-doctoral or post-Ph.D. research experience in fission and fusion materials, supported by a strong foundation in physical and fundamental materials science.
• Publication Record: Demonstrated scientific productivity with a strong track record of lead-author publications in peer-reviewed journals within the past three years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in materials science, with knowledge of high-temperature ceramics and radiation effects on materials.
• Experience in handling and testing radioactive specimens in a radiation laboratory or hot-cell facility.
• Knowledge of the post-irradiation behavior of reactor structural or nuclear fuel materials, or experience analyzing materials behavior under irradiation conditions
• 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:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Letters of Recommendation:
Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@ornl.gov.
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

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.
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.