About the position
Postdoctoral Research Associate- Fusion Materials & Technology
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will focus on the development and application of separation techniques and fusion materials performance assessment that have applications in multiple sectors of importance in the Department of Energy.
The primary focus will be developing separation methods using mass spectrometry including microfluidics, MEMS, and mass spectrometry to study gaseous mixtures and apply such techniques in separation of hydrogen isotopes from contaminants.
The postdoctoral researcher will also investigate the mechanical and thermophysical behavior of irradiated ceramics and alloys for tritium technology development using advanced experimental and computational methods.
The researcher will perform characterization of model systems using techniques such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Experience in data reduction of big spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and image data are required.
Understanding and hands-on experiences in vacuum instruments are expected.
Skills and hands-on experience in nano- and micro-fabrication of MEMS and microfluidics are desirable.
Hands-on experience in catalytic reactor design and performing experiments with data reduction are needed.
Experience in handling different types of hydrogen isotopic samples and irradiated samples are also desirable.
Rad Worker training will be offered for working with irradiated materials.
This position resides in the Advanced Nuclear Materials (ANM) Group in the Materials in Extremes Section, Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of our team, you will study complex materials, form engineering solutions, and develop new techniques to study engineered systems and develop techniques to address physical challenges in building a sustainable energy future for the nation.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Perform experimental research to evaluate the effects of neutron irradiation on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of nuclear ceramics, composites, and related fusion materials.
Set up and perform experiments involving vacuum pumps, flow meters, and microfluidic reactors to conduct experiments to study model gas mixtures containing hydrogen isotopes using mass spectrometry.
Understand fundamental separation principles and have hands-on experience in operating advanced analytical instruments such as ToF-SIMS, SEM, or Raman.
Communicate research results through timely peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with internal ORNL teams and external partners, including contributions to proposals and project development.
Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
What you’ll bring
- Experience in data reduction of big spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and image data are required.
- Skills and hands-on experience in nano- and micro-fabrication of MEMS and microfluidics are desirable.
- Hands-on experience in catalytic reactor design and performing experiments with data reduction are needed.
- Experience in handling different types of hydrogen isotopic samples and irradiated samples are also desirable.
- Understand fundamental separation principles and have hands-on experience in operating advanced analytical instruments such as ToF-SIMS, SEM, or Raman.
- Basic Qualifications:
At a glance
- Position type
- Research associate
- Institution
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Department
- Department of Energy
- Research group
- Not stated
- Location
- Oak Ridge, Tunisia, TN
United States, US - Supervisor / contact person
- Not stated
- Funding
- Funding not stated
- Duration
- Not stated
- Expected start
- Not stated
- Vacancy reference
- Not stated
Research focus
- Discipline
- Materials Science, Physics
- Research area
- Ceramics
- Methods
- Spectroscopy, Microscopy
- Software
- Not stated
Dates to know
- Listed on FOSS Positions
- 18 Sep 2026
- Original advertisement date
- Not stated in the source
- Application deadline
- Deadline not stated
- Priority review date
- Not stated
- Last checked
- 18 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2026
How to apply
Apply now »
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will focus on the development and application of separation techniques and fusion materials performance assessment that have applications in multiple sectors of importance in the Department of Energy. The primary focus will be developing separation methods using mass spectrometry including microfluidics, MEMS, and mass spectrometry to study gaseous mixtures and apply such techniques in separation of hydrogen isotopes from contaminants.
https://jobs.ornl.gov/talentcommunity/apply/1429061200/?locale=en_US
Original sources
https://jobs.ornl.gov/talentcommunity/apply/1429061200/?locale=en_US ↗
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