Physics Phd Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking two Computational Instrument Scientists who will focus on developing software analysis tools for the diffraction instruments.  These positions reside in the Powder and the Single Crystal Diffraction Groups in the Diffraction Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

Applications are sought from highly creative and motivated individuals with demonstrated skills/experience in method development who will join the interdisciplinary team of instrument scientists that support the diffraction instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS).  Additional information and specifications for these instruments may be found on the following ORNL Neutron Sciences website:  https://neutrons.ornl.gov/suites/diffraction 

As part of our research team, you will emphasize developing software analysis tools for multi-dimensional data analysis, real-time data visualization, modelling for disordered systems, or improved automation, that are applicable across the instruments in the suite.  As part of your career, you will have opportunities to use other neutron scattering instruments at SNS and HFIR to pursue your scientific interests. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

You will interact with members of both the Diffraction Section and the Application and Software Engineering groups to: 

• Communicate and refine data reduction, analysis and modeling software product requirements to transition new developments into sustainable products for the user community 

• Develop documentation and tutorials for data acquisition, reduction and analysis for users 

• Participate in instrument upgrade projects with a focus on software developments, particularly for data reduction, analysis and modeling 

• Triage and prioritize issues and bugs reported by users 

• Communicate software development activities to the instrument teams in the suite 

You will support the User Program by: 

• Serving as an integral member of the instrument team 

• Attracting users from new areas of research, especially related to the topics of your own research efforts, to expand the user community and the impact of neutron scattering 

• Assisting in the development of beam time proposals 

• Assisting users with data reduction, analysis and modeling 

• Providing support to assigned users as local contact. This includes: 

• Training users to use the instruments 

• Acting as the go-to person for these users (providing needed information, supporting users with computing needs, identifying how (or who) to address experimental issues) 

• Addressing computing needs during experiments 

• You will pursue a high-quality personal research program using neutron diffraction, build national and international collaborations, and publish research results in scientific journals. 

• 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 PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or related field. 

• Two or more years of research experience beyond your PhD (applicants with additional years of experience are encouraged to apply, and we will hire commensurate with years of experience). 

• Demonstrated track record of scientific software development. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with diffraction for materials analysis using either x-rays or neutrons  

• Experience developing diffraction software and/or reverse Monte Carlo software.  

• Previous beamline support experience in a neutron or synchrotron x-ray user facility 

• Experience collaborating with technical and scientific professionals, including support staff, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research scientists in academia and industry. 

Special Requirements:  

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to recruiting@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 
  

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.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.
• 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.   

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available. 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov