Postdoctoral Research Associate- Radiation Detection Instrumentation

Requisition Id 14649 

­­Overview:  

We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on and contribute to the development of a next-generation high-speed electron microscopy camera for quantum materials research. This position resides in the Relativistic Nuclear and High Energy Physics group in the Physics Division of the Physical Science Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and optimize, in collaboration with the manufacturer, a novel Timepix4-based electron detector system, ensuring high-speed data acquisition and enhanced quantum efficiency for 4D-STEM applications.
• Integrate the camera system into electron microscopes at ORNL, developing firmware and software for event-based continuous data streaming.
• Collaborate with the readout manufacturer to adapt and refine the high-speed readout electronics and synchronization system for efficient electron detection.
• Implement and test real-time processing algorithms for high-throughput data analysis, focusing on frame reconstruction and dose-efficient imaging.
• Conduct experimental validation and calibration of the detector, optimizing noise suppression and signal reconstruction to achieve sub-nanosecond time resolution.
• Support publication and dissemination of results through high-impact journal articles and conference presentations, contributing to ORNL’s leadership in electron microscopy innovations.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team to explore applications in electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), phonon studies, and quantum device characterization.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical/Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Experience in detector development, electron microscopy, or data acquisition systems.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed imaging detectors, ASIC readout electronics, or radiation detection technologies.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, C++, or MATLAB) for detector control, data acquisition, and real-time processing.
• Familiarity with electron microscopy techniques (STEM, EELS, ptychography) and/or semiconductor sensor technologies.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Timepix, Medipix, or other event-driven detector technologies.
• Knowledge of signal processing, real-time data analysis, and GPU/FPGA-based acceleration.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with industry and international partners, and contribute to the design of next-generation electron imaging systems.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

Postdocs:

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.

Letters of Recommendation:

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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

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.