Postdoctoral Research Associate - Composite Pipe Development

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We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in composite material development, technology development from lab to large scale, and processing of materials under high temperature pyrolysis. The candidate will aid staff in conducting high quality research by developing, integrating, and deploying materials to be used for geothermal casing related harsh environments applications. A background in polymer chemistry research or related fields, composite material development, material science, and data analysis is preferred.

Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF) and the work is performed at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) atOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will engage with researchers with various backgrounds such as materials science, chemistry, data science, and robotics along with close interactions with industry partners. These engagements will play a vital role in ensuring success of programs and the adoption by project sponsors. You will also be involved in proposal writing with our scientists while taking the lead in publishing high impact papers.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work within a committed team of scientists to develop composite pipe technologies for geothermal energy or similar harsh environment applications.
• Design, develop, fabricate, and test composite material in lab scale and help scale up the technology for commercial scale applications.
• Perform development work at vendor’s site that requires travel.
• Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies, and product, systems, and materials development.
• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• 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 degree in material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer chemistry, electrical engineering, robotics, or a related field completed within the last five years.
• Background in composite material preparation, particularly in fiber reinforced (Glass fiber, silicon carbide fiber, etc.) composites.
• Hands-on experience with lab scale polymer synthesis and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with computer modelling systems such as finite element analysis (FEA),.
• Familiarity with data analytics, machine learning, digital twin knowledge, or Python programming language.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing, process physics, thermodynamics, and/or metallurgy to interpret sensor data in a materials science context.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international, scientific audience.
• Motivated and safety conscious.
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and adapt to ever-changing needs with the proven ability to function…