Requisition Id 16068
Level: RP02
Overview:
We are seeking a Research Associate who will focus on investigating pyrophoric gases and their reactions. This position resides in the Chemical Dynamics Group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), but will involve close (daily) collaborations with scientists/team members across the laboratory. Potential candidates are expected to contribute to the development unique science directions, in collaboration with the Team and sponsoring organizations. Furthermore, the position requires collaborating and interacting with staff at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source on Chestnut Ridge, High Flux Isotope Reactor, Computational Sciences centers, National Security Sciences, Energy Science and Technology directorate, and within the Physical Sciences Directorate at ORNL. This position will support the laboratories mission of world leading materials and reaction science and delivering solutions to pressing energy storage problems essential to economic develop and security of the United States.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Design and deploy reactors for pyrophoric gases
- Synthesize molecules and compounds and evaluate their physical properties including but not limited to molecular weight, tensile strength, rheology, and reactivity
- Develop processing approaches to turn materials into new shapes and structures
- Research high temperature materials for advanced and additive manufacturing in energy applications
- Able to perform chemical synthesis of preceramic polymers, organometallics, knowledge of thermoset curing.
- Coordinate research with other team members inside and outside ORNL
- Design and evaluate special cells required for in situ studies
- Work with sponsors to achieve project goals and deliverables
- 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. Fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD degree in chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or a related field.
- 0 to 2 years of experience in pyrophoric reactive molecule chemistry
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with ceramic and materials synthesis
- Experience with vacuum system-based deposition processes
- Analytical chemistry background
- Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver license within 10 days of arriving to operate DOE vehicles on-site.
- An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, patents or commercial products
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
- 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:
Letters of Recommendation:
Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
- Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
- View Profile
- Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document
- Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 7,000 people! Our vision is to foster ideas with the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
