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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Materials Joining and Allied Processes

CHEManager International, Oak Ridge, TN, United States


Overview
We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates who will focus on materials joining and allied materials sciences and manufacturing technologies. These positions reside in the Materials Joining Group in the Materials Analysis and Interface Science Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Multiple positions are available to support R&D with different research focuses, including innovations in joining and materials processing/synthesis, AI/ML for process monitoring and control, and physics‑based computational modeling of joining processes or performance of welded structures. As a postdoc, you will conduct research and development at the forefront and often at the intersection of the above topic areas as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, with access to the vast research resources in a national laboratory environment, to advance your career.

Responsibilities

Perform R&D in one of the focus areas in an integrated, team environment.

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.

Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with the 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

A PhD in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, or a related field completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent hands‑on experience in operating materials joining equipment, especially laser welding, friction stir welding/processing, and/or ultrasonic solid‑state joining/processing.

Excellent hands‑on skills in manufacturing process sensing and monitoring, especially in welding and allied fields such as additive manufacturing.

Excellent skills and experience in solid‑mechanics, heat transfer and HPC simulations of welding residual stresses, and welding process simulations.

Excellent skills and knowledge in experimental mechanics, mechanical behavior of materials, and failure analysis.

Demonstrated experience in application of AI and machine learning in manufacturing processes.

Demonstrated experience in experiment design and big‑data processing for elevated‑temperature mechanical property testing results.

Strong background in high‑temperature material damage mechanisms.

Skills in advanced material characterization techniques such as high‑temperature digital image correlation and specialized mechanical testing.

Solid background in materials science and phase transformations of metals and alloys, and experimental mechanics.

Demonstrated experience with thermodynamic and/or phase‑field modeling tools for microstructure and phase‑transformation modeling and simulation of ferrite alloys and lightweight materials.

Advanced characterization skills such as optical and high‑resolution electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EBSD).

Familiar with multi‑axis robotic systems and programming.

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 within deadlines, and adapt to ever‑changing needs.

Special Requirements
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID‑compliant form of identification is required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to 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 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.

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 the 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.

Benefits

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

Employee Discounts

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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