Postdoctoral Research Associate Organic Polymer Chemist for Advanced Fibers
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts science and technology research in energy, national security, computing, materials, neutron science, isotopes, and related fields.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Managed by UT-Battelle for DOE, it operates research infrastructure and user facilities, conducts applied and fundamental research, and currently advances AI-enabled scientific discovery alongside its energy and national-security missions.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will develop, synthesize, modify, and characterize polymers for advanced fiber applications. You will help scale manufacturing processes, analyze experimental data, calibrate simulation parameters, manage research collaborations, and report, publish, and present research findings. You will maintain compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements.
Requirements
- PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last five years
- Strong background in polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing for advanced fibers
- Expertise in polymer chemistry or processing for advanced fiber precursors
- Experience in advanced manufacturing techniques
- Complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment
- Submit three letters of reference
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification card
Responsibilities
- Develop polymer chemistries for advanced fiber applications
- Synthesize, modify, and characterize polymers to improve material performance
- Collaborate to scale manufacturing processes for high-performance fibers
- Analyze and interpret experimental data
- Obtain and calibrate simulation parameters from laboratory results
- Establish and manage research collaborations and projects with industry partners
- Present, report, publish, and share research results
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Educational assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site banking facilities
- On-site cafeteria facilities