Postdoctoral Research Associate - Polarized Neutron Scattering Instrumentation for Quantum Materials
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) 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. 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.
Purpose:
The Neutron Instrument Technologies Section in the Neutron Technologies Division of NScD has an immediate opening for post-doctoral research associate to work on the development of novel neutron scattering techniques with polarized neutrons and their applications to study quantum materials. Your core research will involve performing elastic, inelastic and polarized neutron scattering measurements on single crystal samples using the world-leading instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at ORNL and other major neutron scattering facilities in the world.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will join a research team of scientists, engineers and programmers to develop new ultra-high-resolution neutron scattering techniques with polarized neutrons 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:
- Utilize ultra-high-resolution techniques to measure the lifetime of quasi-particle excitations over the entire Brillouin zone with μeV resolution, and high-intensity measurements of lattice constants with high resolution to investigate the lattice distortion induced by weak interactions. Some examples of current interest include superconductivity, multiferroicity, thermal electric, quantum criticality.
- Develop neutron optical methods to minimize the phase aberrations of these techniques to further increase the contrast and thus resolution.
- Develop ultra-high-resolution neutron scattering techniques further to improve the resolution of neutron scattering in energy or momentum transfer. This will involve conceptual method design, McStas ray tracing simulation, magnetic field simulations, etc.
- Develop software required for the operation of the devices 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:
- Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in neutron (or X-ray) scattering techniques.
- A strong background in condensed matter physics.
- A strong background in experimental hard condensed matter physics would be a distinct advantage.
- Experience in the development of novel techniques as well as a demonstrated proficiency in computer programming and data acquisition.
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.
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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.