Materials Characterization Research Scientist

Description

Leidos is seeking an experienced Materials Characterization Research Scientist interested in pursuing their passion by working side‑by‑side with world‑class scientists and engineers using state‑of‑the‑art equipment to support applied research at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The ideal candidate will be responsible for independently planning and carrying out materials characterization studies, including operating and maintaining complex analytical instruments, developing new analytical methodologies, and resolving technical problems that arise.

The researcher will conduct on‑site research at NETL in Albany, OR.

• Working on applied, cutting‑edge projects with global impact through collaboration with the nation’s leading energy scientists and engineers.
• Unique insight into the broad range of engineering and scientific disciplines NETL leverages to support national energy research and policy development.
• Access to world‑class, customized facilities specific to high‑impact energy research, technology generation, and patent development.
• Participation in novel fundamental and applied energy technology development with direct economic impact on advanced materials and energy technology development.

• Lead advanced materials characterization:
  Conduct comprehensive characterization and analysis of metallic alloys, composites, carbonaceous materials, and geological samples using techniques such as X‑ray Diffraction (XRD), X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF), and thermal analysis (e.g., TGA, LFA, Dilatometry, DSC, DTA) to determine phase composition, crystallinity, elemental composition, structural details, thermal stability, and phase transition behavior.
• Develop and optimize analytical methodologies:
  Design, validate, and implement novel and robust analytical methods, including specialized sample preparation and sophisticated data acquisition protocols.
• Perform expert data processing and interpretation:
  Conduct in-depth analysis of complex diffraction patterns other analytical data using specialized software, including Rietveld refinement and quantitative phase analysis.
• Ensure analytical quality and integrity:
  Establish and enforce rigorous quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, including method validation and inter‑laboratory comparisons.
• Manage instrument operations and safety:
  Oversee the expert operation, proactive troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of X‑ray and thermal analysis instrumentation, strictly adhering to all radiation safety protocols.
• Collaborate and disseminate research findings:
  Partner with multidisciplinary research teams to develop comprehensive characterization plans, translate complex analytical data into actionable insights through detailed reports and presentations, and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
• Contribute to cross‑functional expertise:
  Engage in cross‑training to develop and apply expertise in complementary characterization techniques (e.g., Scanning Electron Microscopy), enhancing overall analytical capabilities.

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 2+ years of applicable experience.
• U.S. citizen.
• Proven expertise in XRD analysis, including phase identification, Rietveld refinement, and crystallographic interpretation demonstrated through a publication record.
• Demonstrated experience with XRF spectroscopy for elemental analysis and quantitative composition determination.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a range of thermal analysis techniques, including LFA, dilatometry, and STA (including DSC, TGA, DTA) for materials characterization.
• Experience identifying and troubleshooting instrument performance issues for X‑ray and thermal analysis equipment.
• Strong understanding of crystallography, solid‑state chemistry, and materials science principles.
• Experience in reporting characterization results and uncertainty analysis to technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple research projects in a…