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Ornl Postdoc information

What are some common challenges faced by ORNL postdocs during their fellowship, and how can they be addressed?

ORNL postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects and adapting to the fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. Navigating the large-scale resources and facilities can also be initially overwhelming. However, ORNL provides strong mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops to help postdocs integrate smoothly. Building relationships with colleagues across departments and proactively seeking guidance from mentors can greatly enhance the postdoctoral experience.

What is the difference between Ornl Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectOrnl PostdocResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPh.D. or equivalentPh.D. or equivalent
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic settings, collaborative projectsResearch labs, industry or government agencies, project teams
Employer & Industry UsageOak Ridge National Laboratory, research institutionsResearch organizations, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Ornl Postdoc is a temporary research position primarily aimed at recent Ph.D. graduates to develop their expertise and contribute to specific projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In contrast, a Research Scientist is a more permanent role involving independent research, project leadership, and often supervising staff. While both roles require a Ph.D., the Postdoc focuses on training and collaboration, whereas the Research Scientist emphasizes ongoing research contributions and career development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ORNL Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ORNL Postdoc, you typically need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field along with a strong research background and publication record. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, advanced data analysis software, and possibly high-performance computing systems is often required. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and present complex findings. These abilities are crucial for advancing innovative research, contributing to high-impact projects, and building a successful scientific career at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

What is an ORNL Postdoc?

An ORNL Postdoc is a postdoctoral researcher who works at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the largest science and energy national laboratories in the United States, managed by the U.S. Department of Energy. ORNL Postdocs conduct advanced research in fields such as materials science, biology, energy, and computing, collaborating with leading scientists and utilizing world-class facilities. These positions are typically temporary and aimed at early-career researchers looking to gain valuable experience and contribute to cutting-edge scientific projects. ORNL offers postdocs opportunities for professional development, networking, and potential pathways to permanent positions in academia, industry, or government research.
More about Ornl Postdoc jobs
What cities are hiring for Ornl Postdoc jobs? Cities with the most Ornl Postdoc job openings:
What states have the most Ornl Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Ornl Postdoc jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ornl Postdoc job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform chemical vapor coating and infiltration of high temperature ceramic systems.

  • Develop new or refined testing methods and ceramic processing and fabrication to improve property performance.

  • Synthesize new ceramic and/or polymeric materials.


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16556 

Overview:

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research vapor phase synthetic material scientist who will focus on the chemical evaluation of vapor grown high temperature ceramic and ceramic composite systems and their relationship to microstructure and performance metrics.

This position resides in the Ceramics and Ceramic Composites (CCC) Group, Materials Processing Science and Engineering (MPSE) Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The individual will also interact and coordinate with other team members in other ORNL Research Divisions.

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with senior technical staff who are world leaders in ceramic science and engineering through sponsorship from the US Department of Energy Critical Materials Energy Infrastructure HEGO and AMMTO offices. Your role will be to elucidate synthetic approaches on materials properties using the advanced suite of characterization equipment available at ORNL and help drive ongoing efforts to improve their performance and reliability.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Chemical vapor coating and infiltration of high temperature ceramic systems
  • Develop new or refined testing methods and ceramic processing and fabrication that will ultimately improve property performance
  • Synthesize new ceramic and/or polymeric materials
  • Coordinate task efforts within a highly collaborative environment of national laboratories, industry, and academic partners
  • Report research results through conferences and peer-reviewed journals and classified technical reports where required
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
  • Work with a variety of teams in addressing diverse advanced characterization needs of multiple classes of brittle materials and manufacturing processes
  • 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:

  • PhD in Chemistry, Ceramic Science or Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Strong background in inorganic synthesis
  • Experience with high temperature ceramic systems, characterization and chemical vapor coating and infiltration, and synthesis of new material systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Postdoctoral research experience
  • Experienced with:
    • chemical vapor coating and/or infiltration
    • ceramic powder and slurry characterization methods, mixing, and flowability
    • chemical reactions for polymers and synthesis of new materials
    • reactor design
  • Experience working with radiological materials
  • 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:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to 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.


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