Postdoctoral Research Associate- Shear Strength of Ceramics

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We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Ceramics and Ceramics Composites (CCC) Group within the Materials Science and Engineering Division (MSTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and who will focus on ORNL's continued development of methods to quantify shear (yield) strength of monolithic ceramic materials as a function of temperature. You will use and help refine techniques developed at ORNL that estimate shear strength based on the brittle-to-ductile transition, hot hardness testing, spherical indentation, and other new pending methods.

Additionally, you will develop/refine finite element and numerical analysis models to portray shear strength response as a function of temperature, and to attempt to ultimately reconcile those various experimentally measured responses.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Hot hardness testing and postmortem
• Spherical indentation and postmortem
• Estimate critical particle size associated with the brittle-to-ductile transition
• Assist with developing additional concepts and tests to estimate shear strength
• Develop model(s) to correlate to experimentally observed responses
• Present and report research results and publish 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:

• PhD in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience in ceramics and brittle materials, experimental contact mechanics, and microstructural characterization
• This position requires immediate eligibility to obtain and maintain DOE Q-Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with:
  • brittle materials,
  • experimental contact testing including indentation/hardness testing,
  • contact damage mechanics and mechanisms,
  • material microstructure and its characterization, and
  • finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical analysis techniques
• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• 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:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• 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 availability of funding.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into…