Date: Jul 29, 2023
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 9678
Overview:
We are seeking several Postdoctoral Research Associates to work on one of three projects to investigate quantum materials with neutron scattering.
Project 1 will use neutron diffraction and neutron spectroscopy techniques to identify and characterize exotic magnetic ground states and excitations in topical frustrated magnets.
Project 2 will develop high-performance tools to extract the bond-dependent and ansitropic magnetic interactions in quantum magnetic materials from single crystal diffuse scattering measurements.
Project 3 will employ neutron diffraction, neutron total scattering and neutron spectroscopy techniques under ambient condition and external stimuli to investigate the possible correlations between average/local symmetry breaking, magnetism, mechanical properties, and Dirac/Weyl states in topological semimetal candidates.
The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to pursue their own scientific research using the world-class suite of neutron diffractometers and neutron spectrometers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
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. 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 you will be a member of a team of neutron scattering scientists, computational scientists, engineers, enterprise software developers, and machine learning experts at both neutron research facilities.
These positions will reside in the Neutron Scattering Division (NSD). Successful candidates will be selected and matched to the appropriate projects via a panel interview process. If these projects interest, you and you meet the basic qualifications please apply.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Project 1 will involve:
- Conducting neutron diffraction and neutron spectroscopy experiments on topical frustrated magnets to elucidate their static and dynamic magnetic properties
- Analyzing the neutron scattering data using various approaches including Rietveld refinement, crystal field modeling, Reverse Monte Carlo techniques, linear spin wave theory, and Landau-Lifshitz dynamics
Project 2 will involve:
- Developing a high-performance data analysis tool for investigating families of quantum magnetic materials with single crystal diffuse neutron scattering technique
- Conducting single crystal diffuse scattering measurements to characterize bond-dependent and anistropic interactions in families of quantum materials with the developed tool
Project 3 will involve:
- Performing neutron diffraction and neutron spectroscopy experiments under ambient conditions or with external stimuli i.e., in-situ mechanical deformation or pressure
- Conducting neutron data analysis to determine average/local symmetry breaking, magnetic structure, magnetic exchange couplings
- A close collaboration with synthesis experts, condensed matter theorists, as well as the experts on the high-field magnetization and magneto-transport characterizations to proble quantum semimetallic properties
All projects will involve:
- Participating in project planning and execution.
- Publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting the research in conferences.
Basic Qualifications:
- A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field within the last 5 years
- Experience with computer programming
- Good interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to communicate research results in peer-reviewed publications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
- Experience with neutron scattering, including data analysis
- Experience with parallel programming techniques
Project 1 would benefit if the candidate has the follow experience:
- Neutron powder diffraction and single crystal neutron diffraction
- Neutron spectroscopy (inelastic neutron scattering)
Project 2 would benefit if the candidate has the follow experience:
- Single crystal neutron diffraction and diffuse scattering analysis
- Familiarity with atomistic simulation, Python programming, or high-performance computing
Project 3 would benefit if the candidate has the follow experience:
- Powder neutron total scattering, powder/single crystal neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering techniques
- Experience on the representation analysis and magnetic space/superspace groups used to determine magnetic structures
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.
Please include a discussion of your research interests and how neutron scattering can support your plan for research during your time at ORNL in your cover letter with your application.
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
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.
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.