Additive Manufacturing/Metallurgy- Postdoc Research Associate

About the role

The Plutonium Technology Division is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to explore the metallurgy of additively manufactured refractory alloys. The successful candidate will work on research projects aimed at advancing fundamental understanding and practical applications of refractory alloys for fusion energy systems and national defense. This role offers growth in high-impact domains such as additive manufacturing, physical metallurgy, data-driven materials discovery via machine learning, and computational alloy design. The postdoctoral researcher will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art manufacturing, characterization, and computational tools while contributing to publications in top-tier journals and establishing collaborative networks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare additively manufactured specimens for metallurgical analysis and mechanical evaluation.
• Conduct detailed metallographical analyses using advanced characterization techniques.
• Disseminate research at national and international conferences.
• Prepare and publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in chemistry, materials science, or related field (obtained in the last 36 months).
• U.S. citizenship (required for ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance).

Qualifications

• Experience with additive manufacturing methods/processes and material characterization instrumentation.
• Experience with computational tools such as Thermo-Calc.
• Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms.

About Us

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is a multi-program laboratory applying state-of-the-art science and practical, high-value solutions to complex technical problems to protect the nation. Located at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, SC, SRNL develops and deploys innovative technologies addressing environmental, energy, and national security challenges.

The Weapons Production Technology (WPT) team is a world leader in tritium fuel cycles and fusion-related research, including the Tokamak Exhaust System Development Project for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The team of 300 staff leads research in tritium effects on materials, hydrogen science, plutonium metallurgy, sensing and metrology, advanced engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Benefits

• Highly competitive medical, dental, and vision options, including HSA with company-provided seed.
• Short- and long-term disability (company-paid).
• Life insurance (non-contributory, 1x salary, company-paid).
• AD&D insurance (non-contributory, 1x salary, company-paid).
• Savings & Investment Plan:
  • Qualified non-elective company contribution of 5% each pay period (immediate vesting).
  • Company match of 50 cents per dollar up to 8% (5-year vesting).
• Contributory life insurance (up to 5x salary, $1M cap).
• Contributory AD&D (employee, spouse, and children).
• Paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Competitive relocation package for eligible positions.