Ceramic Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

Idaho National Laboratory’s Materials Properties and Performance group is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with Materials Science/Ceramics experience to lead the design, synthesis, advanced microstructure characterization, and properties evaluation of high temperature non-oxide ceramics materials. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the material chemistry-process-microstructure-property-performance paradigm; to utilize advanced testing methodologies to assess material performance;

to examine new structural/functional materials designed for advanced reactors and other high temperature harsh environments.

Idaho National Laboratory’s Materials Properties and Performance group is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with Materials Science/Ceramics experience to lead the design, synthesis, advanced microstructure characterization, and properties evaluation of high temperature non-oxide ceramics materials. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the material chemistry-process-microstructure-property-performance paradigm; to utilize advanced testing methodologies to assess material performance;

to examine new structural/functional materials designed for advanced reactors and other high temperature harsh environments.

• Optimize the processing of newly developed ceramic materials to obtain optimal size distribution and sintering behavior.
• Explore novel chemical, thermal, and mechanochemical powder synthesis techniques.
• Optimize sintering route and microstructural development using state-of-the-art spark plasma/electric field assisted sintering as well as other techniques.
• Study the microstructure of newly developed materials and environmental degradation of novel materials produced using mechanical (fracture mechanics) as well as other advanced characterization techniques.
• Perform continuum scale modeling of composite materials.
• Conduct research into the underlying mechanisms behind the microstructural evolution and degradation of materials subjected to extreme environments.
• Perform thermodynamic modeling to understand effect of compositional and processing condition changes on the equilibrium state of the material systems.

The position will allow significant interaction with researchers with varying backgrounds and additional opportunities for professional development. A background/experience in ceramic processing, phase transformation, microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, and thermodynamic calculations are required. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off.

• Conduct hands-on research, development in the areas outlined above.
• Project management support for projects with compressed timeline.
• Characterize/understand how to interpret data collected from materials using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mechanical testing.
• Analyze experimental data and develop models to understand the sintering behavior and mechanisms of formation in materials.
• Understanding of mechanical properties such as tensile, creep, fatigue, and Charpy-V notch toughness.
• Collaborate with other researchers and engineers within INL and with external partners to advance the understanding and application of field assisted sintering as it pertains to materials for harsh environments.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals.
• Contribute to the preparation of research project reports.

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Science, or other related and relevant discipline.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years of graduation.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of…