Bulk Metallic Glasses for Spacecraft Applications

About the role

The Materials Development and Manufacturing Technology Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology is seeking a postdoctoral scholar for basic science research related to the development of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and their related composites.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent scientific research in support of current NASA programs.
• Lead, perform and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• File relevant intellectual property.
• Perform all relevant experiments, fix and maintain equipment, perform all microscopy or characterization, and completely write scientific publications based on the results with limited input from others.

Requirements

• Ph.D. directly related to the development and mechanical properties of BMGs.
• Ability to perform all relevant experiments, fix and maintain equipment, perform all microscopy or characterization, and completely write scientific publications based on the results with limited input from others.

Qualifications

• Strong background in materials science and engineering.
• Experience with bulk metallic glasses and composites.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Skills

• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of materials modeling and simulation.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
• Flexible schedule with occasional travel to other NASA centers.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Pay

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Contact

For questions about this opportunity, please email npp@orau.org.

References

• E. Homer, M. Harris, S. Zirbel, J. Kolodziejska, H. Kozachkov, B. Trease, J-P Borgonia, G. Agnes, L. Howell, D.C. Hofmann New Methods for Developing and Manufacturing Compliant Mechanisms Utilizing Bulk Metallic Glass. Advanced Eng. Mater. 10.1002/adem201300566 (2014)
• L. Hamill, S. Roberts, M. Davidson, W.L. Johnson, S. Nutt, D.C. Hofmann Hypervelocity Impact Phenomenon in Bulk Metallic Glasses and Composites, Advanced Eng. Mater. 10.1002/adem201300252 (2013)
• M. Davidson, S. Roberts, G. Castro, R.P. Dillon, A. Kunz, H. Kozachkov, M.D. Demetriou, W.L. Johnson, S. Nutt, D.C. Hofmann Investigating Amorphous Metal Composite Architectures as Spacecraft Shielding. Advanced Eng. Mater., 15: 1-2 (2013)
• D.C. Hofmann Shape Memory Bulk Metallic Glass Composites. Science 329: 1294-1295 (2010)
• D.C. Hofmann, J-Y Suh, A. Wiest, G. Duan, M-L Lind, M.D. Demetriou, W.L. Johnson Designing Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites with High Toughness and Tensile Ductility. Nature, 451: 1085 (2008)
• D.C. Hofmann, J-Y Suh, A. Wiest, M-L Lind, M.D. Demetriou, W.L. Johnson Development of Tough, Low-Density Titanium-based Bulk Metallic Glass Matrix Composites with Tensile Ductility. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 105: 20136-20140 (2008)
• W.L. Johnson, G. Kaltenboeck, M.D. Demetriou, J.P. Schramm, X. Liu, K. Samwer, C.P. Kim, D.C. Hofmann Beating Crystallization in Glass-Forming Metals by Millisecond Heating and Processing. Science, 332: 828 (2011)
• M.D. Demetriou, M.E. Launey, G. Garrett, J.P. Schramm, D.C. Hofmann, W.L. Johnson, R.O. Ritchie A Damage-Tolerant Glass. Nature Materials, 10: 123 (2011)
• M.E. Launey, D.C. Hofmann, W.L. Johnson, R.O. Ritchie On the Solution to the Problem of the Poor Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Bulk Metallic Glasses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 0900740106: 1-6 (2009)
• D.C. Hofmann, S. Roberts. Microgravity Metals Processing: From Undercooled Liquids to Bulk Metallic Glasses. Microgravity, Inaugural Issue (2014)