Postdoctoral Research Associate - Organic/Polymer Chemist for Advanced Fibers

About the role

Our team is looking for a driven Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistries to support our advanced fiber manufacturing initiatives. This role involves conducting research on scaling up and developing precursor chemistries for advanced fiber production, as well as advancing fiber technologies for composite systems. The successful candidate will manage several projects concurrently, help shape new research directions within their field, and collaborate closely with ORNL staff, industry professionals, and academic partners. Based within the Advanced Fibers Manufacturing Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this position provides an opportunity to work at the forefront of materials innovation and play a key role in driving forward significant advances in fiber technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop cutting-edge polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications—including Carbon Fiber, Rayon fibers, Silicon Carbide fiber, and Silicon Nitride fiber.
• Synthesize, modify, and characterize polymers to maximize material performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to scale up manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to drive product innovation.
• Obtain and calibrate simulation parameters based on laboratory results.
• Interface regularly between experimental and simulation teams to ensure seamless integration of findings and methodologies.
• Establish and manage research collaborations and projects with industry partners to advance fiber technology.
• Present and report research results promptly, publish scientific work in peer-reviewed journals, and share findings at scientific conferences.
• Support collective team goals, work harmoniously with colleagues, and maintain rigorous compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Uphold values and ethics, ensuring the integrity and excellence of ongoing research and development efforts.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years.
• Strong background in polymer synthesis for advanced fibers, characterization, and processing.
• Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for developing advanced fiber precursors.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a technical STEM field with a focus on polymers or materials science.
• Hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of fiber manufacturing processes and structure-property relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in characterization techniques such as DSC, FTIR, TGA, DMA, EDS, XRD, Rheology, SEM, and optical microscopy.
• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements

• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application.
• Must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.
• Three letters of reference are required for application.

For employment at ORNL, a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. This includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year (marijuana and cannabis derivatives are considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws). Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life Insurance and Disability Benefits.
• Generous vacation and holidays, including parental leave.
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness Programs.
• Educational Assistance and Relocation Assistance.
• Employee Discounts.
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.