Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Reactor Core Materials Characterization

Date:
Sep 24, 2026

Location:

Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will aid the research staff in understanding the synergistic effects of various degradation phenomena of nuclear reactor fuel cladding and core internal materials. Strong materials characterization skills are required. This position resides in the Fuel Cladding and Core Internals (FCCI) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Utilize techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructural characterization of materials.
• Correlate irradiation conditions to the post-irradiation performance of novel materials.
• Coordinate with hot-cell personnel to collect post-irradiation mechanical property data
• Perform characterization activities within a radiological laboratory.
• Participate in the development of new ideas and projects.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific outcomes 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.
• Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of experimentalists, computational scientists, and engineers conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory’s missions.
• 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.

• A PhD degree in materials science, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, or a related discipline within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, presentation, and writing skills, are required to enable effective interaction with technical peers and program managers.
• Applicants must have completed all degree requirements prior to position start.

• Proficiency with specimen preparation using standard metallography and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques.
• Proficiency with characterization techniques such as SEM, EBSD, and TEM is strongly preferred.
• Experience with radiation effects in metals and alloys, with a particular focus on deformation mechanisms, damage-rate, helium effects, and/or stress effects in materials.
• Familiarity with subsized specimen mechanical testing/property analysis.
• Experience with the design of experiments for the collection of in-situ mechanical testing data.
• Knowledge of scientific software in python (numpy, scipy, pandas) or related data analysis suite.
• Record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this…