Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organometallic Synthetic Chemist

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will focus on synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds with applications in harsh environment materials. The postdoctoral researcher will also be involved in developing formulations and processes for infiltrating preceramic polymer and organometallic compounds in fiber based preforms to manufacture ultrahigh temperature compounds (UHTC’s) structures. Knowledge of organic chemistry, synthetic methods, and the skill to work with air and/or water reactive compounds in an inert atmosphere glovebox and/or Schlenkline is a mandatory requirement.

Additional experience with composite fabrication and basic knowledge of mechanical testing associated with composite material evaluations will be considered a plus.

As part of our research team, you will be among team members working in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD) and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) first facility established to provide affordable and convenient access to R&D expertise, facilities, and tools to facilitate rapid adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing of alloys, ceramics, and composites.

The postdoctoral researcher will improve facility capabilities using ceramics and carbon/carbon additive manufacturing. You will help aid the effort to maintain ceramics and composites programs for strategic energy applications. You will perform the fundamental science to improve materials selection and processing of ceramics and carbon-based composites with traditional and additive manufacturing platforms of various and numerous kinds; publish original peer reviewed research articles;

and supervise students, technicians and staff.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work to develop processes and materials for composites, including ceramic matrix composites
• Research high temperature materials for advanced and additive manufacturing in energy applications
• Able to perform chemical synthesis of ceramic and carbon precursor polymers
• Strong knowledge of organometallics and thermosets
• Working knowledge of electromagnetic properties of materials
• 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 safe laboratory practices, 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 chemistry, materials science, ceramic engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field
• Experience in chemical synthesis of organometallics experience commensurate with posted requirements.
• Experience in the following areas:
  Polymer and catalysis/organometallic compound synthesis, familiarity with air/water reactive compounds, glovebox experience, high temperature composites curing and processing knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international, scientific audience
• 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…