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Neutron Scattering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MURR Beamport Engineer

Columbia, MO · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Neutron Scattering group at MURR currently operates four instruments for the study of structure and dynamics in matter: a triple-axis spectrometer (TRIAX), a reflectometer (GANS), and two powder ...

Postdoctoral Researcher

Swarthmore, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Neutron scattering experiments, with a focus on quasielastic and inelastic measurements, are performed at national user facilities, particularly the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National ...

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Neutron Scattering information

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How much do neutron scattering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for neutron scattering in the United States is $71.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58.17 and $83.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in neutron scattering research?

A typical day in neutron scattering research often involves preparing and setting up experiments, operating neutron instruments, and analyzing data using specialized software. Researchers frequently collaborate with visiting scientists, technical support teams, and cross-disciplinary colleagues to plan or optimize experiments. There is also a significant focus on interpreting results, troubleshooting equipment issues, and contributing to academic publications or presentations. The work is dynamic and intellectually stimulating, with a blend of hands-on laboratory activities and data-driven research.

What is neutron scattering?

A Neutron Scattering job involves using neutron beams to study the atomic and molecular structures of materials. Scientists or engineers in this field work at research facilities with neutron sources, such as reactors or spallation sources, to conduct experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science. They design experiments, analyze data, and develop new techniques to advance scientific understanding. These roles are common in research institutions, universities, and national laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in neutron scattering, and why are they important?

To thrive in a neutron scattering role, you generally need a strong background in physics, materials science, or a related field, often supported by a PhD or significant laboratory experience. Familiarity with neutron sources and detectors, data analysis software (such as Mantid or Python), and radiation safety certification is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication are key soft skills for success in multidisciplinary research environments. Mastery of these skills is crucial to designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and contributing effectively to scientific discovery and innovation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Neutron Scattering jobs? The most popular types of Neutron Scattering jobs are:
What states have the most Neutron Scattering jobs? States with the most job openings for Neutron Scattering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Neutron Scattering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,520 per year, or $71.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Neutron Scattering

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16846 


Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate who will focus on using neutrons to study the physics of nonequilibrium dynamics in many-body systems and development of new neutron sample environment that allows time-resolved neutron scattering capabilities. This position resides in the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Foundational Materials Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will closely collaborate with a team that includes condensed matter theorists, experts in neutron/X-ray scattering, and experts in thin film and single crystal materials growth and characterization. You will perform cutting-edge research on understanding condensed matters using neutron scattering.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop new sample environment at various neutron beamlines
  • Perform pump-probe-enabled time-resolved neutron scattering experiments
  • Analyze data from scattering experiments
  • Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
  • Publish scientific papers in key journals and present at key meetings
  • 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 equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. degree in condensed matter physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
  • Extensive experience in neutron and/or X-ray scattering
  • Experience in scattering theory, quantum many-body theory, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, or non-equilibrium physics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Rich experience with transport measurements and characterization
  • Basic knowledge of models of strongly correlated electron systems
  • Proficiency with scripting or programmatic languages, such as Python, c, and matlab
  • 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:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying for 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

Postdocs:

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.

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.

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.

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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