Position Summary
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Solid Mechanics for Digital Certification and Qualification (Cert/Qual). This role resides within the Deposition Science and Technology Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD). The selected candidate will leverage multiscale modeling and simulation to build probabilistic lifing frameworks for high-temperature alloys and structural materials exposed to extreme environments, directly supporting the qualification and certification of advanced manufactured components.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Computational Solid Mechanics, Multiscale Modeling & Simulation, Additive Manufacturing, Material Lifing Analysis |
| Organization | Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) |
| Location | Knoxville, TN, United States |
| Requisition ID | 17070 |
| Appointment Term | Up to 24 months (with possibility of extension based on performance and funding) |
| Last Date to Apply | Open until filled (minimum posting period: 5 days) |
Job Description & Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, computational researchers, experimentalists, and industry partners. Key responsibilities include:
- Participating in the development and implementation of nonlinear constitutive models into commercial (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS) and/or open-source (e.g., MOOSE, DAMASK) finite element (FE) codes.
- Developing and implementing crystal plasticity constitutive models into FE frameworks, with a focus on additively manufactured alloys.
- Formulating multiscale, probabilistic lifing approaches for advanced structural materials under fatigue and ductile fracture conditions.
- Presenting research results at national and international workshops/conferences and publishing high-impact papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Contributing to collaborative research proposals and actively engaging with industry sponsors to facilitate technology transfer and certification.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, or a closely related discipline received within the past five (5) years.
- Demonstrated expertise and strong background in the mechanical behavior of materials.
- Hands-on experience developing and implementing constitutive models within commercial and/or open-source finite element simulation packages.
- Must have completed all Ph.D. degree requirements before commencing the appointment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with microstructural modeling (such as crystal plasticity) applied to fatigue and ductile fracture.
- Expertise in multi-physics finite element simulations.
- Familiarity with machine learning and optimization frameworks integrated with FE simulations for component and process design.
- Strong oral and written communication skills with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications.
Special Requirements & Security Clearances:
- Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Export Control: Access to technology subject to export controls requires candidates to qualify without an export control license.
- Credentialing: Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Tier 1 background clearance / Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential in accordance with DOE guidelines.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official ORNL career portal. Ensure that your application profile includes your updated curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter, and contact information for references.
- Reference Letters: Applicants must provide two (2) letters of reference. These can be uploaded directly to your candidate profile under the My Documents section (Select “Add a Document”).
- File Formats: Resumes and documents must be in PDF, Word (.doc, .docx), RTF, or HTML format (up to 5MB).
Apply Link
To view the official vacancy listing and submit your online application, please visit:
Apply Online at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Careers
