Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 2 hours ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neutron and X-ray Scattering for Critical Minerals Extraction
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry LevelOak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Powder Diffraction Group. The role focuses on advancing understanding of critical elements production from minerals through scientific projects involving neutron and X-ray measurements, chemical separation, and structural characterization.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Perform wet chemical experiments
Contribute to the development of sample environments for in-situ measurement of materials for critical element extraction, chemical separation, energy storage and catalysis, at both the SNS and HFIR
Perform neutrons scattering experiment that focuses on in situ investigation of critical minerals
Analyze neutron and X-ray scattering data and contribute to developing data analysis workflows
Publish scientific papers and present results from this research at national and international meetings as appropriate
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success
Qualification
Required
A PhD in geosciences, chemistry, material science, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, condensed matter physics, or a related field with no more than 5 years of postdoctoral experience
Preferred
Knowledge of X-ray or neutron diffraction
Experience in wet chemistry
Experience with synthesis and characterization of minerals or nanomaterials (Li ion batteries, solid electrolytes, clay minerals, REE-related structures)
Experience with solid characterization (e.g., Raman, SEM, EPMA and other characterization techniques) and liquid characterization (e.g., ICP-OES or ICP-MS)
Experience working in user facilities
A strong record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific information to international audiences
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
Benefits
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
401(k) Retirement Plan
Contributory Pension Plan
Life Insurance
Disability Benefits
Generous Vacation and Holidays
Parental Leave
Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
Employee Assistance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
Wellness Programs
Educational Assistance
Employee Discounts
Relocation Assistance
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
Founded in 1943
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (268)
2024 (276)
2023 (223)
2022 (228)
2021 (192)
2020 (152)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Director, Compute and Data Environment for Science
Brett Ellis
Group Lead - Business Systems Operations
Recent News
2025-12-13
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