Summary
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate specializing in thin film synthesis and characterization of quantum materials. This appointment resides within the Quantum Heterostructures Group in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD). The researcher will focus on synthesizing advanced quantum materials using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and investigating their novel electronic, magnetic, and structural properties.
Position Overview
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Research Associate |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) |
| Division | Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) |
| Research Area | Thin Film Synthesis & Quantum Materials Characterization |
| Location | Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States |
| Appointment Term | Up to 24 months (with potential for extension) |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (minimum 5 days from posting) |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Area
Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), Epitaxial Thin Film Synthesis, Cryogenic Transport, Magnetometry, and Quantum Heterostructures.
Location
Oak Ridge, Tennessee (TN), United States (ZIP: 37830).
Eligibility/Qualification
Basic Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related physical science discipline.
- The Ph.D. must have been completed within the last 5 years from the application date, with all degree requirements fulfilled before starting the appointment.
- Demonstrated experience in epitaxial thin film synthesis, ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) techniques (e.g., scanning tunneling microscopy, photoemission), or cryogenic transport and magnetometry measurements.
Preferred Qualifications
- A strong track record of productive research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at major scientific conferences.
- Experience with characterization tools such as Physical Property Measurement Systems (PPMS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SQUID magnetometry, XPS, ARPES, or neutron reflectometry.
- Familiarity with numerical data analysis, control software programming (Python, LabVIEW), and AI/ML methods applied to materials science.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Special Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge (requires a federal Tier 1 background check and Real ID compliant identification).
- Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years must obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination.
Scholarship Description & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with scientists in the Quantum Heterostructures Group to advance the discovery and fundamental understanding of novel quantum phenomena. Key responsibilities include:
- Synthesizing thin film quantum materials via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
- Characterizing electronic, structural, and magnetic properties using lab-source and synchrotron techniques, scanning probe microscopy (AFM/STM), photoemission spectroscopies, and neutron scattering.
- Leading and contributing to user proposals for Department of Energy (DOE) user facilities.
- Disseminating scientific findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations.
- Ensuring rigorous compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the ORNL Careers portal. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official job application page at the link provided below.
- Create or log in to your candidate account at jobs.ornl.gov.
- Submit your CV/resume (accepted formats: Word, PDF, RTF, HTML up to 5MB).
- Provide three letters of reference. These can be uploaded directly to the candidate profile under the “My Documents” section or emailed directly to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and requisition ID (17391) referenced in the subject line.
Last Date for Apply
The position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days from posting and will close once a qualified candidate is identified and hired. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Apply Link
Apply Online at the Official Oak Ridge National Laboratory Careers Page
