Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic​/Polymer Chemist Advanced Fibers

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Our team is looking for a driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support our advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives. This role involves conducting research on both scaling up and developing precursor chemistries for advanced fiber production, as well as advancing fiber technologies for composite systems. The successful candidate will manage several projects concurrently, help shape new research directions within their field, and collaborate closely with ORNL staff, industry professionals, and academic partners.

Based within the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this position provides an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of materials innovation and play a key role in driving forward significant advances in fiber technologies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Developing cutting-edge polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications—including Carbon Fiber, Rayon fibers, Silicon Carbide fiber, and Silicon Nitride fiber—forms the core of this role. Responsibilities encompass not only the synthesis, modification, and detailed characterization of polymers to maximize material performance but also close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to scale up manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers.
• A key aspect involves analyzing and interpreting experimental data to drive product innovation, as well as obtaining and calibrating simulation parameters based on laboratory results. Regular interfacing between experimental and simulation teams ensures a seamless integration of findings and methodologies.
• Establishing and managing research collaborations and projects with industry partners is essential, fostering productive partnerships that advance fiber technology. The role also includes presenting and reporting research results promptly, publishing scientific work in peer-reviewed journals, and sharing findings at scientific conferences.
• Supporting collective team goals, working harmoniously with colleagues, and maintaining rigorous compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements are fundamental. Throughout all tasks, there is a strong dedication to upholding values and ethics, ensuring the integrity and excellence of ongoing research and development efforts.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Delivering 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, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years and have a strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a technical STEM field with a focus on polymers or materials science.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and structure-property relationships is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, EDS, XRD, Rheology, SEM, and optical microscopy.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently…