Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cryo-TEM of Beam-Sensitive Materials for Hydrogen Technologies

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 development and application of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) techniques and the associated data analysis for high-resolution imaging of beam-sensitive fuel cell and electrolyzer materials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The applicant will work closely with scientists both at ORNL and institutions within with the US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) laboratory consortia, which aim to improve the performance and durability of hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer materials. This position resides in the Materials MicroÅnalysis Group in the Nanomaterials Characterization Section, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

The research will focus on advancing experimental and data analysis methods for cryo-TEM imaging of beam-sensitive fuel cell and electrolyzer materials, such as proton-conductive ionomer thin films, with the goal of revealing the native structure and morphology of these materials at high resolution. Independent and motivated candidates capable of generating novel ideas, planning, and executing appropriate experiments, and extracting meaningful results through innovative analysis methods are encouraged to apply. A successful candidate will have a strong demonstrated background in high-resolution TEM imaging and coding for associated data analysis. Experience with cryo-TEM, high-resolution imaging of beam-sensitive materials, and focal/tilt series-based phase reconstruction techniques are considered a plus.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct research to advance and develop experimental and data analysis methods for cryo-TEM imaging of beam-sensitive hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer materials
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Present results at international scientific conferences and at HFTO consortia meetings

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• Strong background in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with high-resolution cryo-TEM imaging
• Experience with high-resolution imaging of beam-sensitive materials
• Background in focal/tilt series-based phase reconstruction techniques
• Background in data/image analysis using Python, MATLAB, etc.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research shown by a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• 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

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to 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.

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

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 for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.