Postdoctoral Research Associate- Automation of Electron Microscopy Workflows
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
Requisition ID: 16296
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).
Major Duties / Responsibilities
Lead the implementation of the AutoScript environment on the Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra
Establish a virtual microscopy environment for writing, testing, and maintaining AutoScript 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 – 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 AutoScript 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
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and 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 availability of funding.
Letters of Recommendation
Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
Benefits
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.
EEO Statement
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.
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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).
Major Duties / Responsibilities
Lead the implementation of the AutoScript environment on the Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra
Establish a virtual microscopy environment for writing, testing, and maintaining AutoScript 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 – 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 AutoScript 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
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and 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 availability of funding.
Letters of Recommendation
Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
Benefits
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.
EEO Statement
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.
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