Postdoctoral Research Associate- Experimental and Computational Research Nuclear Materials

Overview

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) within the Materials Science and Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to investigate the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of irradiated metals and ceramics using advanced experimental and computational methods. The selected candidates will conduct research on irradiated materials using the capabilities of the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing Facility and the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis Laboratory at ORNL, along with computational tools for integrated atomistic modeling in support of materials research for extreme environments.

The candidates will develop and apply advanced experimental characterization, mechanical testing, 3D microstructural analysis, finite element simulations, atomistic modeling, and thermal transport measurement techniques to advance mechanistic understanding and predictive capabilities for advanced nuclear materials systems. In addition, this work includes developing processes that connect mechanical and thermophysical testing data with the microstructures of ceramic and metallic materials for eventual incorporation into materials qualification processes and nuclear energy system performance models.

• Perform experimental research to evaluate the effects of neutron irradiation on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of nuclear ceramics, composites, structural alloys, and related materials.
• Conduct detailed microstructural and defect characterization of irradiated materials using advanced techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, and related methods.
• Analyze experimental data to determine mechanisms of irradiation-induced and thermally induced damage and to establish microstructure-property relationships.
• Develop and execute atomistic and mesoscale simulations to predict deformation, anisotropy evolution, defect behavior, and materials performance under irradiation, thermal, and mechanical loading.
• Plan and perform thermophysical property measurements and integrate measurement results with modeling predictions through model-experiment validation workflows.
• Develop and implement advanced data analysis methodologies, automated processing tools, and reproducible workflows to generate validated, publication-quality datasets, analyses, and visualizations.
• Communicate research results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with internal ORNL teams and external partners, including contributions to proposals and project development.
• 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.

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Demonstrated experience with advanced materials characterization equipment and/or atomistic simulation tools.

• Experience with multiple advanced materials characterization techniques, including complex mechanical testing, thermophysical property measurements, high-resolution microscopy, and in situ neutron or X-ray scattering and tomography methods.
• Strong background in computational and image-processing software, scientific programming, and high-performance computing environments.
• Knowledge of materials behavior in extreme environments (e.g., high temperature, irradiation, corrosion, and mechanical stress) and familiarity with multiscale and continuum modeling approaches.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations, or strong evidence of publication potential, along with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within interdisciplinary, collaborative research teams, including mentoring students, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and adapting to evolving research and programmatic needs.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland…