Postdoctoral Research Associate, Optical Fiber Sensing

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on using optical fibers for measuring property evolution, dimensional changes, and corrosion in harsh, high temperature, nuclear environments. This position resides in the Nuclear and Extreme Environment Measurement (NEEM) Group in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The NEEM Group focuses on pushing the limitations of materials, sensors, and experiments through technology development, advanced instrumentation, irradiation experiments, and rapid design/fabrication. As part of the research team, you will investigate optical fiber instrumentation. More specifically, this position would develop Fabry-Perot interferometer-based sensors to measure thermal and irradiation creep in advanced nuclear materials, as well as measuring the corrosion and oxidation of zirconium in light water reactor environments. The candidate will be expected to model prototypes of the fiber optic based sensors using standard Multiphysics software, perform out-of pile laboratory testing of the instruments in representative environments, and analyze the results of testing and simulations. Metrics for success will include scientific output, disseminating results at national and international conferences and other technical meetings, and delivering programmatic milestones.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, fabricate and test Fabry-Perot cavity-based fiber-optic sensors to measure the deformation of metal diaphragms for various harsh environment applications.
• Develop data acquisition and control systems that include hydraulic or pneumatic actuation and pressure monitoring combined with interrogation of optical fiber-based measurement systems.
• Assemble (splicing, polishing, testing, etc.) and install optical fiber sensors.
• Relate measurements to changes in material properties such as creep, plasticity, and corrosion/oxidation.
• Interface with other staff working in related areas including vibroacoustic signal analysis, signal