R&D Associate - Vapor Synthetic Material Scientist

About the role

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research vapor phase synthetic material scientist to focus on the chemical evaluation of vapor grown high temperature ceramic and ceramic composite systems and their relationship to microstructure and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Chemical vapor coating and infiltration of high temperature ceramic systems
• Develop new or refined testing methods and ceramic processing and fabrication that will ultimately improve property performance
• Synthesize new ceramic and/or polymeric materials
• Collaborate with senior technical staff who are world leaders in ceramic science and engineering
• Report research results through conferences and peer-reviewed journals and classified technical reports where required
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Work with a variety of teams in addressing diverse advanced characterization needs of multiple classes of brittle materials and manufacturing processes
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Ceramic Science or Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong background in inorganic synthesis
• Experience with high temperature ceramic systems, characterization and chemical vapor coating and infiltration, and synthesis of new material systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience
• Experienced with:
• chemical vapor coating and/or infiltration
• ceramic powder and slurry characterization methods, mixing, and flowability
• chemical reactions for polymers and synthesis of new materials
• reactor design
• Experience working with radiological materials
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs