Materials Scientist - Staff Scientist

About the role

This position is in the Materials Characterization Group in the Materials Science Division. Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead complex work across metallography and materials characterization capabilities, including sample preparation, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, including electron backscatter diffraction, for a broad range of research and programmatic applications.
• Develop and implement strategic improvements to metallography, sample preparation, and materials characterization capabilities, including operational methods, instrumentation reliability, safety basis documentation, and equipment upgrades, to meet evolving programmatic and customer needs.
• Develop innovative methods, tools, and techniques that increase throughput, improve quality, and expand technical capability in materials characterization laboratories.
• Lead the development of highly advanced sample preparation techniques using state-of-the-art automated equipment and influence broader technical direction in this area.
• Design, implement, and improve advanced systems and tools for sample and data tracking that enhance operational efficiency, traceability, and quality of laboratory deliverables.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned projects and programs, providing expert guidance to internal customers, collaborators, and sponsors on advanced materials characterization needs.
• Prepare and deliver written analyses, technical briefings, and other products that communicate results, technical recommendations, and capability impacts to management, sponsors, and customers.

Requirements

• PhD in materials science, materials engineering, engineering technology, engineering science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or physics; or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Expert knowledge of materials science principles and metallographic sample preparation and characterization methods, including sample polishing techniques, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and grain size measurements.
• Substantial experience with specimen preparation for conventional, hazardous, and technically challenging materials specimens, including working with chemicals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate scientists, engineers, and technical staff on complex program-funded projects and set technical direction for successful execution.
• Substantial experience with optical microscopy techniques.
• Substantial experience using computerized laboratory and analytical systems to acquire, analyze, track, and communicate scientific data and results.
• Expert-level experience in advanced electron microscopy techniques and materials characterization, including deep understanding of method capabilities, limitations, and appropriate technical application.
• Subject matter expert in advanced materials science concepts, including phase transformations, dislocations, alloying, crystal structure, and grain boundaries.
• Provide solutions to complex problems that require in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors and the creative use of established and/or innovative methods.
• Ability to develop innovative methods/technology and contribute to advancement of knowledge.
• Ability to direct technical tasks and projects while setting broad project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for self and others.
• Ability to work independently, as well as both a member and leader of a team.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications

• Experience with scanning electron microscopy techniques, including expertise in operating an SEM or a microprobe.
• Experience in other materials preparation and characterization tools, such as x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microcopy, hardness testing, electropolishing, ion milling, vacuum coating, white-light interferometry, and density measurements.
• Experience with instrument maintenance and design and fabrication of simple fixtures.

Pay

$210,630 - $267,060 annually