Postdoc - Residual Stress Characterization in Advanced Manufacturing by Neutron Diffraction

Requisition ID: 17401

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct residual stress characterization resultant from advanced manufacturing processes by Engineering Diffraction. This position resides in the Engineering Diffraction Group within the Engineering Diffraction and Imaging Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The selected candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment with teams in the Neutron Sciences Directorate, the Physical Sciences Directorate, and the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. The candidate will use neutron diffraction to characterize residual stress in materials made by additive manufacturing and advanced joining methods. The research will focus on using neutron diffraction to measure residual strain and stress in additively manufactured and joined alloys. The candidate will relate these measurements to processing conditions, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The results will support the development and validation of process models for advanced manufacturing. The candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to collaborative projects, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct residual stress measurements using the HIDRA neutron diffractometer at HFIR.
• Characterize residual stress in additively manufactured components and joined materials made by advanced manufacturing methods.
• Relate residual stress to processing parameters such as build strategy, heat input, and post-process heat treatment.
• Perform microstructure characterization using SEM, EBSD, XRD, and related techniques.
• Apply analytical and modeling approaches to interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams to define and advance research directions.
• Work with HIDRA users with mutual interest on experiment planning and data analysis.
• Present research findings and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• PhD in materials science & engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Research experience with advanced manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing, welding, or other materials joining processes.
• Proficiency in materials data analytics, including correlation analysis and machine learning techniques.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge; a Real ID compliant form of identification is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable post-employment background investigation (Federal Tier 1 background check).
• Appointment length up to 24 months with potential for extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.

Qualifications

• Experience with microstructure characterization techniques (SEM, EBSD, TEM, XRD).
• Experience measuring residual stress by neutron or synchrotron diffraction, or by complementary methods such as the contour method or hole drilling.
• Background in engineering alloys used in additive manufacturing and joining, such as steels, nickel-based superalloys, titanium alloys, or aluminum alloys.
• Familiarity with diffraction and data analysis tools (e.g., GSAS, GSAS-II, PyRS, VDRIVE, Mantid).
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing or welding processes (e.g., laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, fusion welding, friction stir welding).
• Knowledge of how residual stress develops during processing, including thermal gradients, phase transformations, and elastic and plastic anisotropy.
• Experience with finite element modeling of residual stress or thermal-mechanical processes.

Benefits

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are provided. Specific benefits include:

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Employee Discounts

Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.