Postdoctoral Research Associate- Automation of Electron Microscopy Workflows

Requisition

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop AI-driven automation workflows for aberration-correction scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to accelerate the characterization of degradation mechanisms in catalysts and electrochemical devices. This position resides in the Applied Microanalysis and Thermophysics (AMAT) Group in the Materials Analysis & Interface Science Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will collaborate with world leaders in catalysis and electrochemistry through national laboratory consortia of the Department of Energy's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI).

Your role will be to work with the new aberration-corrected Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra STEM to help drive the development of automated routines for analyzing catalyst structure and degradation mechanisms. A key area of research will involve Python scripting within the Thermo Fisher Auto Script environment to control operation of the microscope beam, stage, detectors, and spectrometers, with a particular emphasis on annular dark-field STEM imaging, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy, at the intersection of electron microscopy, software engineering and machine learning.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

* Lead the implementation of the Auto Script environment on the Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra

* Establish a virtual microscopy environment for writing, testing, and maintaining Auto Script routines

* Automate image acquisition and analysis workflows for robust particle size distribution measurements and morphology assessment

* Develop live image analysis and beam control protocols that adapt acquisition conditions in real time (drift correction, autofocus) for efficient atomic-resolution STEM-EDS/EELS spectrum imaging

* Develop AI-enabled approaches for multi-modal electron tomography acquisition and image alignment

* Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

* Present results at scientific conferences and CMEI consortia meetings

* 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 in Materials Science & Engineering, Computational Sciences, Physics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years

* Demonstrated expertise with Python-based programming for instrument control, image analysis or spectroscopy

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with transmission electron microscopy

* Familiarity with application programming interfaces, particularly Thermo Fisher's Auto Script Software

* Experience with artificial intelligence or machine learning

* 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.

Special Requirements :

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, 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 Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Postdocs:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and…