Postdoctoral Research Associate- Vapor Phase Processing of Ultra- Temperature Materials

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Overview: 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 focus on developing processes to create ultra-high temperature refractory metals/ceramics (UHTMs/UHTCs) and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. The role will include process development and characterization of the microstructure and behavior of these high-purity vapor-phase processed refractory metals, ceramics, and composites.

The candidate will team with ORNL's world-class experts and have access to the state-of-the-art facilities. This position resides in the Surface Engineering and Tribology Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This position offers the opportunity to develop and refine skills in multiple areas critical to materials science, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of advanced ceramic and composite materials, detailed elemental and microstructural analysis of materials using state-of-the-art equipment, and extreme environment testing. In addition, the postdoctoral research associate may be involved with other types of processing methods for UHTMs/UHTCs, such as colloidal processing, polymer impregnation pyrolysis (PIP), and reactive melt infiltration (RMI).

The candidate will play a key role in a UHTM/UHTC development initiative that aims to address significant materials challenges associated with hypersonic vehicle propulsion and structures, fusion and fission nuclear power generation structural materials, higher efficiency power generation turbines, and aeroengines.

• Perform thermodynamic and kinetic calculations using commercial software packages for planning and optimizing vapor deposition experiments
• Plan and execute vapor deposition of ceramics experiments using cold- and hot-wall CVD reactors
• Plan and execute CVI experiments of porous refractory metal, ceramic and CMC preforms
• Maintain and upgrade existing state-of-the‑art CVD/CVI reactor systems
• Design, fabricate and commission a novel forced-flow thermal-gradient CVI (FCVI) reactor
• Analyze results of experiments by evaluating porosity distribution, microstructure and elemental composition of the materials created
• Collaborate with other groups, national laboratories, universities, and industry partners to fabricate UHTMs/UHTCs via vapor deposition, additive manufacturing, PIP and RMI
• Evaluate mechanical properties of thin films and components fabricated, and their high temperature behavior and corrosion response in various environments
• 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• A PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• This position requires the ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance

• Experience performing experiments with CVD reactor systems, gas handling and related equipment
• Safety mindset for working with potentially hazardous gases, byproducts, and materials
• Basic knowledge of the relationship between temperatures, gas mixture volumes, velocities and resonance times for vapor deposition and infiltration experiments.
• Knowledge of high temperature ceramic materials, i.e., carbides, nitrides, borides, etc.
• Familiarity with elemental and microstructural analysis of thin films, ceramics, and CMCs
• Ability to design experiments to iterate and validate computational models
• A record of productive and creative…