Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI for Diffraction

Requisition Id 13956 

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on ground breaking research focused on AI techniques for on-the-fly analysis of neutron diffraction data. 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. The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) are world-leading facilities and the scientific center of a diverse, international and inclusive neutron scattering community. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate your work will directly benefit from these facilities. In this position, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-institution team developing integrated systems to automate the acquisition and interpretation of neutron scattering data. In particular, you will contribute to the development of AI models to detect phase transitions in neutron diffraction data as it is streamed from SNS and HFIR instruments. Your work will require close collaboration with members of both the Neutron Scattering Division and the Computer Science and Mathematics Division, as well as project members from other DOE national laboratories.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality research in the application of AI to neutron scattering.
• Work with the project team to execute neutron experiments to demonstrate new approaches.
• Assist in developing experimental workflows to leverage AI models for experimental steering.
• Participate in an inclusive work environment for a diverse community of users, staff, postdocs, and students.
• Report and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present results at international scientific conferences and meetings.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, computer science, or a related field completed within the last five years.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of x-ray or neutron scattering is desirable but not essential.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment on scientifically challenging problems
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Special Requirements:

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 up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may 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

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@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.