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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Scintillator-based Neutron Detectors

Requisition Id 7844 

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 support the Detectors Group in the Neutron Technologies Division (NTD), Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  
 
ORNL’s diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines. ORNL’s world class synthesis, characterization and computing facilities enable the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. For more about ORNL see: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakRidgeNationalLab.
 
The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at ORNL operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States’ highest flux reactor based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world’s most intense pulsed accelerator based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 30 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out in excess of 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences for more than 3,000 visiting scientists. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to http://neutrons.ornl.gov.
 
The Neutron Instrument Technologies Section in the Neutron Technologies Division of NScD has an immediate opening for a post-doctoral research associate to work on the development of novel neutron detection techniques with scintillator-based neutron detectors and their applications to imaging and reflectometry instruments. Your core research will involve the detector development and conducting its performance characterization through neutron scattering measurements on samples using the world-leading instruments at HFIR and SNS.
 
Major Duties/Responsibilities: 
The successful candidate will join a research team of scientists, engineers, technicians and programmers to develop new detectors with high position and timing resolution features and establish their applications for the study of advanced materials.
 
The successful candidate will work with the Neutron Instrument Technologies Section, colleagues from other ORNL divisions, and university partners to:
  • Develop novel scintillators concepts for high resolution neutron detectors that meet SNS and HFIR instruments requirements
  • Maintain effective communications concerning scientific efforts internal and external to the laboratory, including publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings
  • Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel in a fast-paced, flexible work environment
  • Develop software required for the operation of the detector and data analysis, using Python or LabView
  • Publish results in scientific journals, conference proceedings and ORNL technical reports as appropriate and present results at appropriate national and international conferences
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
  • Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
 
Basic Qualifications:
A PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Candidates must be willing to work in a team environment on technically and scientifically challenging topics
  • The candidate should be self-motivated, have good interpersonal, communication, and presentational skills, and a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with research staff at all levels and to work within a multi-disciplinary team
  • Experience in neutron (or X-ray) detector development techniques
  • A strong background in scintillators for neutron detection would be a distinct advantage
  • Experience in the development of novel techniques as well as a demonstrated proficiency in computer programming and data acquisition
  • 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.