Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to carry out cutting-edge residual stress characterization derived from advanced manufacturing processes using Engineering Diffraction. This appointment is embedded in the Engineering Diffraction Group within the Neutron Scattering Division at ORNL.
Postdoc Fellowship – Residual Stress Characterization in Advanced Manufacturing by Neutron Diffraction at ORNL
Overview & Key Details
The selected candidate will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside teams from the Neutron Sciences Directorate, Physical Sciences Directorate, and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF). The research targets the use of neutron diffraction to measure residual strain and stress in additively manufactured components and joined alloy materials.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc) |
| Requisition ID | 17401 |
| Research Area | Materials Science, Neutron Diffraction, Residual Stress, Advanced & Additive Manufacturing |
| Host Institution | Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) / UT-Battelle |
| Location | Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA (Knoxville Area) |
| Appointment Length | Up to 24 months (with potential for extension) |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (minimum 5-day active posting window) |
Scholarship / Position Description
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on measuring residual strain and stress in materials fabricated through additive manufacturing and advanced joining processes using the HIDRA neutron diffractometer at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). Key responsibilities include:
- Planning and executing residual stress measurements using the HIDRA neutron diffractometer.
- Correlating residual stress data to processing parameters, such as build strategy, heat input, and post-process heat treatment.
- Performing complementary microstructure characterization using SEM, EBSD, and XRD techniques.
- Applying analytical, statistical, and modeling techniques to interpret experimental results.
- Assisting users of the HIDRA beamline with experiment planning and data processing.
- Publishing original findings in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years.
- Research experience in advanced manufacturing technologies (additive manufacturing, welding, or related materials joining processes).
- Proficiency in materials data analytics, including correlation analysis and machine learning methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in microstructure characterization methods (SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD).
- Hands-on experience measuring residual stress by neutron or synchrotron diffraction, or complementary techniques (contour method, hole drilling).
- Knowledge of engineering alloys used in advanced manufacturing (steels, nickel-based superalloys, titanium alloys, or aluminum alloys).
- Familiarity with diffraction software and analysis tools (e.g., GSAS, GSAS-II, PyRS, VDRIVE, Mantid).
- Experience with finite element modeling (FEM) of residual stress or thermal-mechanical behavior.
Special Requirements
- Applicants must have received their Ph.D. no more than 5 years prior to the application date and completed all degree requirements prior to starting.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge (requires passing a federal background check). Foreign national applicants must meet applicable DOE and site-access criteria.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply directly via the ORNL careers portal by submitting their resume/curriculum vitae and profile documents:
- Visit the official application portal using the link below.
- Create or log into your candidate account on jobs.ornl.gov.
- Upload your updated CV/Resume and necessary documentation under My Documents.
- Provide two letters of recommendation, either uploaded directly to your candidate profile or emailed to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov (be sure to include the position title and Requisition ID: 17401 in the subject line).
Last Date to Apply
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days from posting and will close once a qualified candidate is identified and hired. Applicants are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.
Official Application Link
To submit your application, please visit the official ORNL listing:
Apply Online – ORNL Postdoc: Residual Stress Characterization (Req ID 17401)
